Titus [from memory]

This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them the confidence of eternal life, which God – who cannot life – promised them before the world began. And now at the right time he has revealed this Good News and we announce it to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been trusted to do this work for him.

This letter is written to Titus, my true child in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.

I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. An elder must be well thought of for his good life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious. An elder must live a blameless life because he is God’s minister. He must not be arrogant or a quick tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money. He must enjoy having guests in his home; and he must love all that is good. He must live wisely and be faith. He must live a devout and disciplined life. He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

For there are many who rebel against right teaching; they engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true to those who insist on circumcision for salvation. They must be silenced. By their wrong teaching they have already led whole families away from the truth. Such teachers only want your money. One of their own men, a prophet from Crete has said about them, ‘The people of Crete are all liars; they are cruel animals and lazy gluttons.” This is true. So correct them as sternly as necessary to make them strong in faith. They must not listen to Jewish myths or the commands of people who have turned their backs on the truth.

Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving; their minds and consciences have been defiled. They claim they know God but they deny him by the way they live. They are despicable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.

But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have strong faith and be full of love and patience.

Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the Lord. They must not go around speaking evil of others; and they must not be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they won’t bring shame on the Word of God.

In the same way, teach the younger men to live wisely in everything they do. And you yourself must be an example to them in doing good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the seriousness and integrity of your teaching. Let your teaching be so correct that it can’t be criticized. Then those who want to argue will be ashamed because they will have nothing bad to say about us.

Slaves must obey their masters and please them in every way. They must not talk back or steal, but they should show themselves to be completely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn away from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God while we look forward to that wonderful event when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, is revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right. You must teach these things and encourage your people to do them, correcting them when necessary. You have the authority to do this so don’t let anyone ignore you or disregard what you say.

Remind  your people to be submissive to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not speak evil of others; and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility towards everyone.

Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled by others and became slaves to many wicked desires and evil pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy. We hated others and they hated us.

But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love. He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out his Spirit upon us because of what Jesus Christ our Savior did. He declared us not guilty because of his great kindness. And now we know we will inherit eternal life. These things I have told you are all true. I want you to insist on them so that everyone who trusts in God will be careful to do good deeds all the time. These things are good and beneficial for everyone.

Do not get involved with foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These kinds of things are useless and a waste of time. If anyone is causing divisions among you, give them a first and second warning. After that have nothing to do with that person. For people like that have turned their backs on the truth. They are sinning, and they condemn themselves.

I am planning on sending Artemas and Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me in Nicopolis as quickly as you can, because I have decided to stay there for the winter. Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their trip. Make sure they have everything they need. For our people should not live unproductive lives. They must learn to do good by helping others with urgent needs.

Everyone here sends greetings. Please send my greetings to all the believers who love us.

May God’s grace be with you all.