I left you in Crete for this express purpose, to set in order the things that are lacking, and to appoint elders in each town, as I directed you --

men who are blameless, the husband of one wife, with believing children who are not accused of riot or insubordination.

For there are many insubordinate people, mere talkers with nothing to say, but deceivers of their own minds, especially those of the circumcision party,

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 countrymen, has said, "Cretans are always liars, wicked brutes, lazy bellies."

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

To the pure everything is pure, but to the impure and unbelieving nothing is pure, but their very minds and consciences are impure.

They profess to know God, but by their actions they disown Him; they are detestable, disobedient, and useless for anything good.

But speak thou the things that are fitting for the sound doctrine.

Aged men are to be without wine, noble, serious minded, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

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,

Bondmen are to be obedient to their own masters, to be well-pleasing in all things, not speaking contrary,

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,

who [willingly] gave Himself [to be crucified] on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.

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,

It is a message to be trusted, and I want you to be emphatic about these things, so that those who believe in God may be careful to take the lead in doing good. These things are right and render service to mankind.

But hold yourself aloof from foolish controversies, pedigrees, strife, and wrangles about the law, for these are fruitless and futile.

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