Titus 3

1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

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 quarrelling,

2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility towards all men.

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

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

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.

4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour and his love towards mankind appeared,

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

5 not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

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,

6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

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

7 that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (aiōnios g166)

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

8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

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.

9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

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

10 Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,

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

11 knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

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

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

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.

13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.

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

14 Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

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.

15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

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