Paul’s Letter to Titus

Paul’s Letter to Titus




1 [1-4] From Paul, a worker of God, and a follower of Yeshua the Christ, for the faith of God’s chosen, and the acknowledging of the truth which works for godliness; In hope of everlasting life, which God, who can’t lie, promised before the world began; But has at just the right time made known the Word of God through preaching, which is trusted to me according to the Word of Christ our Savior; To Titus, my own child in the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from Yahweh God and Yeshua the Christ, our Savior.

[5-16] Because of this, I left you in Crete, that you would set in order the things that still need to be done, and ordain elders in every city, as I had chosen you: If a person is without blame, the spouse of one spouse, having faithful children not accused of rebellion or unruliness. Because an overseer must be without fault, as a manager of God; not selfish, not getting angry too soon, not a heavy drinker, not abusive, and not greedy for rich living; But has a love for hospitality, a love for good people, serious, fair, holy, and reasonable; Keeping the faithful word as they have been taught, that they can be able by good principles both to encourage and to convince those who argue. There are many unruly and empty talkers and misleaders, especially those of the Jews: Whose mouths must be stopped, who weaken whole homes, teaching things which they shouldn’t, for the sake of money. One of them, even a great preacher of their own, said, “The Cretians are always liars, evil animals, lazy pigs.” This witness is true. So accuse them sharply, so that they can be firm in the faith; not paying attention to Jewish stories, and words of people, who turn from the truth. To the innocent everything is innocent: but to those who are ruined and unbelieving nothing is innocent; even their mind and conscience is ruined. They say that they know God, but by what they’ve done they disown Christ, being sickening, and disobedient, and not fit for any good work.

2 [1-15] But say the things which agree with good principles: That the older ones use good sense, be respectful, reasonable, sensible in the faith, in love, and in patience. And the same with the older women, that they be in action as agrees with faithfulness, not liars, not drinking too much alcohol, and teachers of good things; so that they can teach the young women to use good sense, to love their husbands, and to love their children, to be careful, faithful, homemakers, good, respectful to their own husbands, that the Word of God won’t be disrespected. Just the same encourage the younger ones to use good sense. Be an example of the good that you’ve done in everything: showing reliability, thoughtfulness, and honesty in the Word, along with good speech, that can’t be accused; that whoever argues with you will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about you. Encourage workers to be acceptable to their own bosses, and to please them well in everything; not talking back; not stealing, but showing themselves trustworthy; that they can beautify the Word of God our Savior in everything. Because God’s grace that saves has appeared to humanity, teaching us to reject ungodliness and earthly wants, and to live seriously, with right and godly actions in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the amazing appearance of our great God and Savior Yeshua the Christ; Whose own self was given for us, to free us from all sin, and to cleanse us for Christ’s own self, a special people, passionate to do good things. You have every right to speak these things, and encourage, and warn, so let no one resent you.

3 [1-11] Remind them to respect rulers and powers, to obey the courts, to be ready for all good works, to speak evil of no one, to not be abusive, but gentle and humble with everyone, because we ourselves were also sometimes stupid, disobedient, believing lies, self-serving with different kinds of wants and pleasures, living in hatred and jealousy, being hateful, and hating one another. But after the kindness and love of God our Savior toward humanity appeared, not by any goodness that we’ve done, but for Christ’s mercy we were saved, by the washing of rebirth, and the renewing of the Holy Spirit; Which God shed on us greatly through Yeshua the Christ, our Savior; that being made right by God’s grace, we would become heirs for the hope of everlasting life. This is a faithful saying, and I want you to ssy this often, so that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain what good they’ve done. These things are both good and profitable for everyone. But keep away from stupid questions, genealogies, arguments, and disputes about the Word of God because they’re useless and mean nothing. Reject those who are rebellious after the first and second warning; knowing that those who are like this are weakened, and sinful, being damned of themselves.

[12-14] When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be careful to come to me in Nicopolis because I’ve decided to winter there. Bring Zenas, the lawyer and Apollos on their journey carefully, so that they will have everything they need. And let our people also learn to keep doing the good things that they’ve done, meeting necessary needs, so that they won’t be unfruitful.

[15] Everyone here with me says hello to you. Say hello to those who love us in the faith. God’s grace be with you all. So be it!