Titus

Paul instructs Titus, left in Crete, to appoint elders in every town—men above reproach, faithful in marriage, with believing children, hospitable, self-controlled, sound in doctrine—because overseers must refute false teachers. Especially targeted are rebellious empty-talkers of the circumcision party who upset households for dishonest gain; Titus must silence them, rebuking sharply so Cretans may be sound in the faith instead of following Jewish myths and human commands. To the pure all things are pure, but defiled unbelievers profess God while denying Him by deeds, proving unfit for any good work.

Titus is to teach what accords with healthy doctrine: older men sober and steadfast; older women reverent, training younger women to love husbands and children, be self-controlled, pure, busy at home, kind, subject to husbands so God’s word is not maligned. Young men likewise are to be self-controlled, with Titus himself as an example of integrity and sound speech. Slaves are to be submissive, honest, not pilfering, adorning the doctrine of God our Savior. The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all and training us to deny ungodliness, live uprightly, and wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself to redeem a people eager for good works. Titus must teach, exhort, and rebuke with full authority.

Remind believers to submit to rulers, be ready for every good work, slander no one, and show gentleness, for we too were once foolish and enslaved. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us—not by righteous deeds but by His mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit poured out through Jesus Christ—so that, justified by grace, we become heirs of eternal life. Titus is to insist on this so believers devote themselves to good works, while avoiding foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels about the law; a divisive person gets two warnings, then rejection. Artemas or Tychicus will replace Titus; he must help Zenas and Apollos on their way, and the church must learn to engage in urgent good works so as not to be unfruitful. Final greetings and grace to all.