For this I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest rectify things left behind, and set elders in the city, as I directed thee:

For a bishop must be irreproachable, as steward of God; not self-sufficient, not prone to anger, not intemperate, not a striker, not occupied in sordid gain.

For many also are disorderly, vain talkers and infatuates, especially they of the circumcision:

Who must be restrained, who subvert whole houses, teaching what they ought not, for the sake of sordid gain.

This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely, that they may be sound in the faith;

For the grace of God who saves, was manifested to all men,

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

Remind them to be subordinate to beginnings and powers, to yield obedience to authority, to be prepared for every good work,

For once we also were unwise disobedient, deceived, being slaves to eager desires and various pleasures, living in vexation and envy, hated, and hating one another.

Faithful the word, and I wish for thee to be assured of these things, that they having believed God might turn their thoughts to excel in good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

And foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes, and conflicts pertaining to the law, avoid; for they are unprofitable and vain.

When I shall send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus, be earnest to come to me at Nicopolis: for there have I chosen to pass the winter.

And let ours also learn to excel in good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.