Salutation

11 Paul , a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ , [1]for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness , 2 in the hope of eternal life , which God , who cannot lie , promised [2] long ages ago , 3 but at the proper time manifested , even His word , in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior , 4 To Titus , my true child [3]in a common faith : Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior .

Qualifications of Elders and Bishops

5 For this reason I left you in Crete , that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

6 namely, if any man is above reproach , the husband of one wife , having children who believe , not accused of dissipation or rebellion . 7 For the [4] overseer must be above reproach as God's steward , not self-willed , not quick-tempered , not addicted to wine , not pugnacious , not fond of sordid gain , 8 but hospitable , loving what is good , sensible , just , devout , self-controlled , 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching , so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict . 10 For there are many rebellious men , empty talkers and deceivers , especially those of the circumcision , 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families , teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain . 12 One of themselves , a prophet of their own , said , " Cretans are always liars , evil beasts , lazy gluttons ." 13 This testimony is true . For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith , 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth . 15 To the pure , all things are pure ; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving , nothing is pure , but both their mind and their conscience are defiled . 16 They profess to know God , but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed .

Be Careful to Maintain Good Works

31 Remind them to be subject to rulers , to authorities , to be obedient , to be ready for every good deed , 2 to malign no one , to be peaceable , gentle , showing every consideration for all men . 3 For we also once were foolish ourselves , disobedient , deceived , enslaved to various lusts and pleasures , spending our life in malice and envy , hateful , hating one another . 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared , 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness , but according to His mercy , by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit , 6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior , 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life . 8 This is a trustworthy statement ; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently , so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds . These things are good and profitable for men .

9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law , for they are unprofitable and worthless . 10 Reject a factious man after a first and second warning , 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning , being self-condemned .

Personal Instructions

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis , for I have decided to spend the winter there . 13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. 14 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs , so that they will not be unfruitful .

Benediction

15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith . Grace be with you all .