1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God's chosen and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
1:2 Which rests in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the beginning of time;
1:3 And at the proper time he revealed his word through the preaching which was entrusted to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
1:4 To Titus, my own child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and [the Lord] Christ Jesus our Saviour.
1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that remained, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you.
1:6 Elders must be blameless, the husband of one wife, whose children believe and are not accused of being profligate or unruly.
1:7 For an overseer must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for gain;
1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good, sensible, just, holy, self-controlled;
1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to refute those who oppose it.
1:10 For there are many unruly and empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision:
1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, for they are subverting whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for sordid gain.
1:12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.
1:13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish myths, and commandments of men who turn from the truth.
1:15 To the pure all things are pure: but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and consciences are defiled.
1:16 They profess that they know God; but by their works they deny him; being detestable, and disobedient, and unfit for any good work.
2:1 But as for you, speak the things which befit sound doctrine.
2:2 Urge the older men to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness.
2:3 Urge the older women likewise, to be reverent in behaviour, not malicious gossips, not slaves to much wine, but teaching good things;
2:4 That they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
2:5 To be sensible, chaste, workers at home, kind, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be maligned.
2:6 Likewise, urge the young men to be self-controlled.
2:7 In all things show yourself to be an example of good works, and in your teaching show purity, dignity,
2:8 And sound speech, which cannot be condemned; so that he who is opposed may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.
2:9 Urge servants to be obedient to their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not to talk back,
2:10 Not to pilfer, but showing entire and true fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
2:12 Teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, and live sensibly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
2:13 Looking for the blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ;
2:14 Who gave himself up for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people of his own, zealous for good works.
2:15 Speak these things, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man disregard you.
3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do every good work,
3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all courtesy to all men.
3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaves to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy; hated, and hating one another.
3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared,
3:5 He saved us, not because of works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing by the Holy Spirit;
3:6 Whom he poured out upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs, having the hope of eternal life.
3:8 This is a faithful saying; and I want you to affirm these things constantly, that those who have believed in God might be careful to engage in good works. These things are good and profitable for men.
3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, and genealogies, and dissensions, and wrangling about the law; for they are unprofitable and futile.
3:10 Reject a man who is divisive after a first and second warning;
3:11 Knowing that such a man is perverted and sinful; condemned by himself.
3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis: for I have determined to winter there.
3:13 Be diligent to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.
3:14 And let our people learn to engage in honest employment, so they may meet urgent needs, and that they may not be unfruitful.
3:15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. [Amen.]