in hope of eternal life, which God, who can not lie, promised be fore the times of the ages,

I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you might set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I commanded you:

For the bishop must be blame less, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not passionate, not fond of wine, not quarrelsome, not one who makes money by base means;

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

whose mouths must be stopped: these subvert whole houses by teaching, for the sake of base gain, things which they ought not to teach.

For the grace of God, which brings salvation to all men, has appeared,

looking for the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and authorities, to obey rulers, to be ready for every good work,

For we ourselves also were formerly foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one an other.

This saying is true, and in respect to these things, I will that you affirm strongly, in order that those who have believed in God may be careful to practice good works: these are the things that are honorable and profitable for men.

But foolish questions and genealogies and strifes and contentions about the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain.

When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, hasten to come to me at Nicopolis; for I have determined to spend the winter there.

Let our people also learn to practice good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.