But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

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;

namely, a man of unquestionable integrity, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of being immoral or rebellious.

But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;

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

One being of themselves, which was a poet of their own said, "The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and slow bellies."

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

but what is agreeable to sound doctrine: advise the aged to be prudent, grave, temperate, sound in faith,

Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good,

but to lectures on virtue, that they may teach the young women prudence, to love their husbands,

and above all make your own life a pattern of right conduct, having in your teaching no taint of insincerity, but a serious tone,

sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

For in the past we were foolish, hard in heart, turned from the true way, servants of evil desires and pleasures, living in bad feeling and envy, hated and hating one another.

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

This is a faithful and trustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing good and honorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people.

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

When I send Artemas or [perhaps] Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

But also our [people] must learn to engage in good deeds for necessary needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.