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 --

For as God's trustee a pastor must be above reproach, not stubborn or quick-tempered or addicted to strong drink or pugnacious or addicted to dishonest gain,

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

whose mouths must be stopped, for they upset whole families by teaching things they ought not to think, for the sake of dishonest gain.

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

You must continue telling the people what is proper for wholesome teaching:

For God's favor has appeared with its offer of salvation to all mankind,

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

who gave Himself for us to ransom us from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people to be His very own, zealous of good works.

Constantly remind people to submit to and obey the rulers who have authority over them, so as to be ready for any good enterprise,

to stop abusing anyone, to be peaceable, fair-minded, showing perfect gentleness to everybody.

For once we too were without understanding, disobedient, misled, habitual slaves to all sorts of passions and pleasures, spending our lives in malice and envy.

He saved us, not for upright deeds that we had done, but in accordance with His mercy, through the bath of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

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

for you may be sure that such a man is crooked and sinful, even self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

Give a hearty send-off to Zenas the lawyer, and Apollos, so that they may want for nothing.