Paul's Letter to Titus

Titus 1

Paul's Greeting to Titus

1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's chosen ones, and the acknowledgement of the truth which is in accordance with reverence for God, 2 In the expectation of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the ages of time; 3 And he revealed his Word in his own times, in the proclamation with which I have been entrusted, according to the commandment of God our Savior.
 

4 To Titus, my legitimate child in our common faith:
cheerful favor, compassion, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.

Qualifications for Elders

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things which are lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I instructed you: 6 Namely, if anyone is unimpeachable, the husband of one wife, having believing children, not being accused of unsaved or disorderly behavior: 7 For as a steward of God it is necessary for an overseer be unimpeachable, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 But hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 Holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to encourage in sound teaching and to refute those who contradict. [1:6 Or, faithful. 1:7 Literally, a striker.]

10 For there are many who are disorderly, who speak nonsense, and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 Whose mouths must be stopped because they are upsetting entire households, teaching things they shouldn’t teach for the sake of shameful gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil animals, and lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. For this reason scold them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith; 14 Not paying attention to Jewish myths and the commandments of people who turn away from the truth. 15 Truly, all things are pure to those who the pure: but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; rather both their mind and their conscience are defiled. 16 They claim to know God, but by their deeds they deny him, being detestable, and unpersuadable, and as to every good deed disapproved.  [1:11 Or, dishonest.]
 

Titus 2

Sound Teaching and Christian Living

1 But as for you, speak the things which are suitable for sound teaching: 2 That older men should be sober, be honorable, be self-controlled, be sound in faith, in love, be cheerfully patient. 3 In the same way, older women are to be respectful in their behavior, not slanderers, not enslaved to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sensible, to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 To be self-controlled, pure, guardians of the home, good in character, to be submissive to their own husbands, that evil may not be spoken of God's Word.

6 In the same way, encourage young people to be sober-minded, 7 Showing themselves to be a pattern of good deeds in everything they do; showing integrity in teaching, respectful, incorruptible, 8 Using sound words that cannot be condemned; so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about you.

11 For the light of God's cheerful favor, which brings salvation to all mankind, has shown upon us; 12 Instructing us that, having denied ungodly and worldly desires, we should live sensible, righteous, and reverent lives in this present age; 13 Anticipating the blessed expectation and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might ransom us from every lawless deed, and purify for himself his own special people, passionate about doing good deeds.

15 Talk about these things, and encourage, and correct with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Titus 3

Obey the Government

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all people. 3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, unpersuadable, deceived, serving various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared: 5 He saved us, not because of righteousness deeds which we had done, but according to his own compassion, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 Whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 So that being justified by his cheerful favor, we should be made heirs according to the expectation of eternal life.

8 This is a faithful saying; and I want you to strongly emphasis these things, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good deeds. These things are good and profitable for people.

Avoid Foolish Disputes

9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless! 10  As for a person who stirs up division, after warning them once and then twice, beg them to leave; 11 Knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.  [Literally, beg them off.]

Final Words

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas (the lawyer) and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people also learn to maintain good deeds, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

Farewell
15 All of those who are with me, embrace you. Embrace those who love us in the faith. cheerful favor be with all of you!