Titus 3
1 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,
Remind people that they must submit to the rulers who are in authority over them; that they must obey the magistrates, be prepared for every right action,
2 To say no evil of any man, not to be fighters, to give way to others, to be gentle in behaviour to all men.
not speak evil of any one, nor be contentious, but yield unselfishly to others and constantly manifest a forgiving spirit towards all men.
3 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.
For there was a time when we also were deficient in understanding, obstinate, deluded, the slaves of various cravings and pleasures, spending our lives in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.
4 But when the mercy of God our Saviour, and his love to man was seen,
But when the goodness of God our Saviour, and His love to man, dawned upon us, not in consequence of things which we,
5 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,
as righteous men, had done, but as the result of His own mercy He saved us by means of the bath of regeneration and the renewal of our natures by the Holy Spirit,
6 Which he gave us freely through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
which He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 So that, having been given righteousness through grace, we might have a part in the heritage, the hope of eternal life. (aiōnios g166)
in order that having been declared righteous through His grace we might become heirs to the Life of the Ages in fulfilment of our hopes. (aiōnios g166)
8 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;
This is a faithful saying, and on these various points I would have you insist strenuously, in order that those who have their faith fixed on God may be careful to set an example of good actions. For these are not only good in themselves, but are also useful to mankind.
9 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.
But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies and pedigrees and discussions and wrangling about the Law, for they are useless and vain.
10 A man whose opinions are not those of the church, after a first and second protest, is to be kept out of your society;
After a first and second admonition, have nothing further to do with any one who will not be taught;
11 Clearly he is in error and a sinner, being self-judged.
for, as you know, a man of that description has turned aside from the right path and is a sinner self-condemned.
12 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.
After I have sent Artemas or Tychicus to you, lose no time in joining me at Nicopolis; for I have decided to pass the winter there.
13 Send Zenas, the man of law, and Apollos on their journey with all care, so that they may be in need of nothing.
Help Zenas the lawyer forward on his journey with special care, and Apollos, so that they may have all they require.
14 And let our people go on with good works for necessary purposes, so that they may not be without fruit.
And let our people too learn to set a good example in following honest occupations for the supply of their necessities, so that they may not live useless lives.
15 All who are with me send you their love. Give our love to our friends in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Every one here sends you greeting. Greet the believers who hold us dear. May grace be with you all.
