Titus 3

1. Remind them to be subject to rulers, and to obey authorities, and to be ready for every good work;

2. Not to speak evil of anyone, not to be contentious, but gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.

3. For we also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving all kinds of lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.

4. But when the graciousness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

5. Not by works of righteousness which we practiced, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,

6. Which He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior;

7. So that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8. This is a faithful saying, and I desire you to strongly affirm all these things, so that those who have believed God may apply themselves to doing good works. These things are good and profitable for men.

9. But avoid foolish questions and genealogies, and debates and quarrels about law, for they are unprofitable and vain.

10. After the first and second admonition, reject a man who is teaching heresy,

11. Knowing that such a person has been subverted and is sinning, being condemned by his own words.

12. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, make haste to come to me at Nicopolis; for I have decided to spend the winter there.

13. Be diligent to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos for their journey, so that they may lack nothing.

14. And let our brethren also learn to devote themselves to good works for services that are needed, so that they may not be unfruitful.

15. All of those with me salute you. Salute those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. Amen.

To Titus, chosen to be first overseer of the Cretan church,
written from Nicopolis of Macedonia