Titus

Greeting

Paul, a servant of the Al­mĭgh­ty, and an emissary of Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕs­si­ah, for the faithfulness of those chosen for the Al­mĭgh­ty and full knowledge of the truth, which is according to godliness, ^1:2based on the hope of everlasting life, which the Al­mĭgh­ty, who cannot lie, pro­mised long ago. ^3And in the proper season, he has revealed his word, by means of public proclamation, with which I am affirmed faithful, ac­cord­ing to the commandment of the Al­mĭgh­ty, our Savior.

^4To Titus, my true child in a com­mon faith: loving-kindness and shalōm from the Al­mĭgh­ty, the Fãther and Mĕs­si­ah Yĕshūa̒ our Savior.

Qualifications of Elders

^5For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, ^6if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of debauchery or rebellion, ^7because the overseer must be above reproach as the Al­mĭgh­ty’s steward, not arrogant, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not a bully, not greedy for money, ^8but hospitable, loving what is good, sen­sible, just, devout, self-controlled, ^9holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

^10Because there are many rebel­lious men, empty talkers and de­ceivers, especially those of the cir­­cision, ^11who must be si­lenc­ed because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach, for the sake of shameful profit.

^12One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ^13This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith, ^14not paying attention to Yehūdi̱ myths and com­mand­ments of men who turn away from the truth.

^15To the pure, all manner things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unfaithful, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. ^16They profess to know the Al­mĭgh­ty, but by their deeds they deny him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed.

Duties of the Older and Younger

But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. ^2:2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faithfulness, in love, in perse­ver­ance.

^3Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, ^4that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, ^5to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of the Al­mĭgh­ty may not be dishonored.

^6Likewise urge the young men to be sensible. ^7In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in teaching, dig­nified, ^8sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

^9Urge servants to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, ^10not pilfering, but showing all good faithfulness that they may adorn the teaching of the Al­mĭgh­ty our Savior in every respect.

^11Because the loving-kindness of the Al­mĭgh­ty has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, ^12instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righ­teously and godly in the present age, ^13looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great Gŏd and Savior, Mĕs­si­ah Yĕshūa̒, ^14who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good deeds.

^15These things speak and ex­hort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Godly Living

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obe­dient, to be ready for every good deed, ^3:2to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

^3Because 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. ^4But when kindness and generosity is shown by our Al­mĭgh­ty Savior, ^5he saved us, not according to our works, those which we have done for righteousness, but according to his mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewing by the Holy Spĭr­it, ^6whom he pours out upon us richly through Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕs­si­ah our Savior, ^7so that having had justice done by that one’s loving-kindness we might become heirs according to the hope of everlasting life. ^8This is a trustworthy state­ment, and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who affirm faithfulness in the Al­mĭgh­ty may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.

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

Personal Concerns

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

^15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith­fulness. Loving-kindness be with you all.