Titus
Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey them, to be ready
for every good work,
to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, and always
considerate to all people.
For we too were once foolish, disobedient,
deceived, captive to various passions and desires, living in malice and envy,
hated by and hating one another.
But when God our Savior’s kindness
and love for mankind appeared,
He saved us not because of upright works
which we had done but because of His mercy, through the washing of rebirth and
renewal of holy spirit.
This spirit He poured out on us abundantly through
Jesus Messiah our Savior,
so that being made right by His grace, we become heirs with the hope of the Life of the Age to Come.
This saying is
trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have
believed God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These
things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid stupid controversies,
genealogies, quarrels and disputes about the Law, because they are
unprofitable and worthless.
Reject a divisive person after a first and second
warning,
knowing that such a person is corrupted and sinning, and stands self-condemned.
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to
me in Nicopolis, because I decided to spend the winter there.
Do whatever
you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so they have
everything they need.
Let our people learn to engage in good work in order to provide for urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful.
All those who are with me send their greetings. Greet those who love us
in the faith. Grace be with all of you.
Titus