Titus 3

1 Remind them to respect and obey the rulers and authorities, to be ready for every kind of good work, to slander no one, to avoid quarreling,

Make clear to them that they are to put themselves under rulers and authorities, to do what they are ordered, to be ready for every good work,

2 to be reasonable, and under all circumstances to show a gentle spirit with all.

To say no evil of any man, not to be fighters, to give way to others, to be gentle in behaviour to all men.

3 There was a time when we ourselves were foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to all kinds of desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hating ourselves and hating one another.

For in the past we were foolish, hard in heart, turned from the true way, servants of evil desires and pleasures, living in bad feeling and envy, hated and hating one another.

4 But, when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for humanity appeared, he saved us,

But when the mercy of God our Saviour, and his love to man was seen,

5 not as the result of any righteous actions that we had done, but due to his mercy. He saved us though the washing of rebirth and renewal by the power of the Holy Spirit,

Not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but in the measure of his mercy, he gave us salvation, through the washing of the new birth and the giving of new life in the Holy Spirit,

6 which he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior –

Which he gave us freely through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

7 so that, having been put right with God through his grace, we become heirs to the hope of eternal life. (aiōnios g166)

So that, having been given righteousness through grace, we might have a part in the heritage, the hope of eternal life. (aiōnios g166)

8 This saying is trustworthy! And it is on these subjects that I want you to lay special emphasis, so that those who have learned to trust in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing good. Such subjects are excellent in themselves, and of benefit to all.

This is a true saying; and it is my desire that you may give certain witness about these things, so that those who have had faith in God may give attention to good works. These things are good and of profit to men;

9 But have nothing to do with foolish controversies, or with genealogies, or with quarrels, or fights about the Law. They are useless and futile.

But have nothing to do with foolish questionings, and lists of generations, and fights and arguments about the law; for they are of no profit and foolish.

10 If someone is causing divisions among you then, after giving them a second warning, excuse yourself from them.

A man whose opinions are not those of the church, after a first and second protest, is to be kept out of your society;

11 You can be sure that such a person has forsaken the truth and is in the wrong. They stand self-condemned.

Clearly he is in error and a sinner, being self-judged.

12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, join me as quickly as possible at Nicopolis, for I have arranged to spend the winter there.

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis: for it is my purpose to be there for the winter.

13 Do your best to help Zenas, the teacher of the Law, and Apollos, on their way, and see that they want for nothing.

Send Zenas, the man of law, and Apollos on their journey with all care, so that they may be in need of nothing.

14 Let all our people learn to devote themselves to doing good, so as to meet the most pressing needs, and that their lives may not be unfruitful.

And let our people go on with good works for necessary purposes, so that they may not be without fruit.

15 All who are with me here send you their greeting. Give my greeting to our friends in the faith. God bless you all.

All who are with me send you their love. Give our love to our friends in the faith. Grace be with you all.