I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

For the overseer must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain;

but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled;

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

whose mouths must be stopped; men who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake.

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

They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny him, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.

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

looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory 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 people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

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

When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.

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