Chapter 1

1:1  Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those elect of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

1:2  in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before time began,

1:3  but his own time revealed his word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;

1:4  To Titus, my true son in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

1:5  This is why I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

1:6  namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion.

1:7  For the overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not arrogant, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

1:8   but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined,

1:9  holding firmly to 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 contradictit.

1:10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group,

1:11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things which they ought not teach for shameful gain.

1:12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said,

  “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

1:13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith,

1:14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

1:15 All things are pure to those who are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

1:16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

Chapter 2 

2:1  But you, speak the things that are fitting for sound doctrine. 

2:2  Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

2:3  Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,

2:4  so that they may train the young women to love their husbands and to love their children,

2:5  to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, being submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

2:6  Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled

2:7  in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, in incorrupt doctrine, dignified,

2:8  sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

2:9  Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not argumentative,

2:10 not stealing, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything.

2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people,

2:12 training us that, having denied the ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age,

2:13 waiting for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for himself a people who are his very own, eager for good deeds.

2:15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone disregard you.

Chapter 3

3:1  Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

3:2  to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.

3:3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in evil and envy, hateful, hating one another.

3:4  But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,

3:5  he saved us, not on the basis of works which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with his mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

3:6  whom he richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,

3:7  so that being justified by his grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

3:8  This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to insist, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good works. These things are good and beneficial for people.

3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless.

3:10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning,

3:11 knowing that such a person is twisted and is sinning and being self-condemned.

3:12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

3:13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.

3:14 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.

3:15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.  Grace be with you all.