I did not take you with me when I went away from Crete, so that you might do what was necessary to put things in order there, placing men in authority over the churches in every town, as I said to you;

For, as God's steward, a minister must be of blameless life, not over-fond of having his own way, not a man of a passionate temper nor a hard drinker, not given to blows nor greedy of gain,

For there are many rebellious men who are empty talkers [just windbags] and deceivers; especially those of the circumcision [those Jews who insist that Gentile believers must be circumcised and keep the Law in order to be saved].

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

But avoid foolish controversy, and let genealogies and dissensions and strife over the Law alone, for these are fruitless and futile.