and at the appointed time has made known His word and revealed it as His message, through preaching, which was entrusted to me according to the command of God our Savior—

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

to chuse such as are without reproach, married to but one wife, whose children are obedient, not accused of debauchery, nor unruly.

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

but given to hospitality, as lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled;

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

as said one of themselves, a prophet of their own, "The Cretans are always liars, mischievous beasts, sluggish gluttons."

so as to make them sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

They profess to know God, but in works deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and found worthless as to every good work.

But as for you, teach the things which are in agreement with sound doctrine [which produces men and women of good character whose lifestyle identifies them as true Christians].

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

that they should teach what is right, so as to train the younger women to love their husbands and children,

and to be sensible, pure-minded, domestic, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so as not to bring reproach on God's message.

in all things affording thyself as a pattern of good works; in teaching uncorruptedness, gravity,

Teach them not to contradict or to pilfer, but to show such praiseworthy fidelity in everything, as to recommend the teaching about God our Savior by all that they do.

as we wait for the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Messiah.

Who gave himself up in our behalf, that he might redeem us from all manner of lawlessness, and purify for himself a people as his own treasure - zealous of noble works.

Tell them these things. Encourage and rebuke with full authority. Let no one disregard or despise you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect].

Constantly remind people to submit to and obey the rulers who have authority over them, so as to be ready for any good enterprise,

But when the goodness and kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared [in human form as the Man, Jesus Christ],

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,

so that we would be justified [made free of the guilt of sin] by His [compassionate, undeserved] grace, and that we would be [acknowledged as acceptable to Him and] made heirs of eternal life [actually experiencing it] according to our hope (His guarantee).

Faithful is the Word, and as to these things, I desire that you strongly affirm that those believing God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

After a first and second warning reject a divisive man [who promotes heresy and causes dissension—ban him from your fellowship and have nothing more to do with him],

for, as you know, a man of that description has turned aside from the right path and is a sinner self-condemned.

As soon as I shall send Artemus unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come to me unto Nicopolis; for, there, have I determined to winter.

And let ours also learn to excel in good works as far forth as need requireth, that they be not unfruitful.

All who are with me wish to be remembered to you. Remember me to all who love me as Christians. Spiritual blessing be with you all.