I left you behind in Crete expressly to correct what defects there were, and to appoint elders in each town, as I directed you??6 men of irreproachable character, who have been married only once, whose children are Christians, free from any suspicion of profligacy or disobedience.

if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior.

For there are also many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,

By whom some families have been completely overturned; who take money for teaching things which are not right; these will have to be stopped.

One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons."

Not giving heed to Judaical stories and commandments of men who are turning away from the truth:

To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

They say that they have knowledge of God, while by their acts they are turning their backs on him; they are hated by all, hard-hearted, and judged to be without value for any good work.

But you, speak [the things] which are fitting for sound instruction.

That old men are to be simple in their tastes, serious, wise, true in faith, in love, and of a quiet mind.

That old women are to be self-respecting in behaviour, not saying evil of others, not given to taking much wine, teachers of that which is good,

In all things see that you are an example of good works; holy in your teaching, serious in behaviour,

Servants are to be under the authority of their masters, pleasing them in all things, without argument;

or steal from them. Instead, they are to show complete and perfect loyalty, so that in every way they may make the teaching about God our Savior more attractive.

while we are waiting for the realization of our blessed hope at the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus,

He gave himself for us to set us free from every wrong and to cleanse us so that we could be his special people who are enthusiastic about doing good deeds.

These are the things you should teach. Encourage and refute with full authority. Do not let anyone look down on you.

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,

They are not to insult anyone or be argumentative. Instead, they are to be gentle and perfectly courteous to everyone.

(not by works that are in righteousness that we did but according to His kindness,) He did save us, through a bathing of regeneration, and a renewing of the Holy Spirit,

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

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

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

it being plain that such a person is perverted, and knows in his own conscience that his tenets are false.

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