Introduction

1 From Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, on behalf of the faith of God’s chosen people, and their knowledge of that truth which makes for godliness 2 – and is based on the hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began, 3 and has revealed at his own time in his message, with the preaching of which I was entrusted by the command of God our Saviour. 4 To Titus, my true child in our shared faith: May God, the Father, and Christ Jesus, our Saviour, bless you and give you peace.

Mission of Titus in Crete

5 My reason for leaving you in Crete was that you might put in order what had been left unfinished, and appoint church elders in the various towns, as I myself directed you. 6 They are to be of irreproachable character, faithful to their partners, whose children are believers in Christ and have never been open to the charge of being wild or unruly. 7 For a supervisor, as God’s steward, ought to be of blameless character – not arrogant or quick-tempered, not given to drunkeness, violence or shady money-making. 8 Instead, they should be hospitable, love what is good, self-controlled, upright, people of holy life and disciplined, 9 holding firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught – so that they may be able to encourage others by sound teaching, as well as to refute those who contradict it.

10 For there are many undisciplined persons who lead others astray with their nonsense, especially those of the group advocating the necessity of circumcision. 11 They need to be kept quiet as they disrupt whole households by teaching what they ought not to teach, simply to make shameful financial gain. 12 It was a Cretan – one of their own prophets – who said: “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons.” This statement is true. 13 Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 and may pay no attention to Jewish legends, or to the directions of those who turn their backs on the truth. 15 To those whose minds are pure, all things are ritually pure, but to those whose minds are tainted and unbelieving nothing is pure, as their minds and consciences are alike polluted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable and disobedient and useless for any good work.

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2 You however, should speak of such subjects as properly have a place in sound teaching. 2 Teach that the older men should be soberly clear minded, dignified and self-controlled – sound in faith, love, and patient endurance. 3 So, too, that the older women should live reverent lives, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. 4 They should teach what is good, so as to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 and to be self-controlled, pure-minded, to be watching over their home, to be kind, respecting the authority of their husbands, so that no one will speak badly of God’s message. 6 In the same way with the younger men – encourage them to be self-controlled. 7 In all things, set an example of doing good. In your teaching, show integrity and seriousness – 8 let the instruction that you give be sound and above reproach, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed when they fail to find anything bad to say about us. 9 Tell slaves to respect their owner’s authority in all circumstances, and to try their best to please them. 10 Teach them not to contradict or to pilfer, but to show such praiseworthy fidelity in everything, as to recommend the teaching about God our Saviour by all that they do.

11 For the loving kindness of God has been revealed, bringing salvation for all, 12 leading us to renounce ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives here in this present age, 13 while awaiting our blessed hope – the appearing in glory of our great God and Saviour, Christ Jesus. 14 For he gave himself on our behalf, to deliver us from all wickedness, and to purify for himself a people who should be truly his own and eager to do good. 15 Tell them of all this, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone belittle you.

Conclusion

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, join me as quickly as possible at Nicopolis, for I have arranged to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to help Zenas, the teacher of the Law, and Apollos, on their way, and see that they want for nothing. 14 Let all our people learn to devote themselves to doing good, so as to meet the most pressing needs, and that their lives may not be unfruitful.

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15 All who are with me here send you their greeting. Give my greeting to our friends in the faith.

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God bless you all.