Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Christ Jesus, for the faith of Gods elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

For this cause I left thee behind in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things that are wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed thee;

For a bishop must be without reproach, as Gods steward; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, not a striker, not greedy of base gain,

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

whose mouths must be stopped, since they overturn whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of base gain.

This testimony is true; for which cause rebuke 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 and disobedient, and for every good work reprobate.

For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation to all men, was manifested,

looking for the blessed hope, and appearing of the glory of the great God and of our Saviour Jesus Christ;

who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a people to be his own, zealous in good works.

Put them in mind to submit themselves to governments, to authorities, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work,

For we ourselves also were once foolish, disobedient, going astray, slaves to divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

But when the kindness and love for men of God our Saviour appeared,

but avoid foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and contentions about the Law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

When I shall have sent Artemas to thee, or Tychicus, use diligence to come to me to Nicopolis; for there I have determined to pass the winter.

And let those also who belong to us learn to practise good works for the necessary wants that arise, that they may not be unfruitful.