Titus

The epistle of Paul to Titus, chapter 3, New English Translation and King James Version

Chapter 3 New English Translation

Conduct Toward Those Outside the Church

   1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. 2 They must not slander anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But "when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us in full measure through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 And so, since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life."

Summary of the Letter

   8 This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths, so that those who have placed their faith in God may be intent on engaging in good works. These things are good and beneficial for all people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law, because they are useless and empty. 10 Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings. 11 You know that such a person is twisted by sin and is conscious of it himself.

Final Instructions and Greeting

   12 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. 13 Make every effort to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; make sure they have what they need. 14 Here is another way that our people can learn to engage in good works to meet pressing needs and so not be unfruitful. 15 Everyone with me greets you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

King James Version

   1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
   2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
   3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
   4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
   5 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;
   6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
   7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
   8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
   9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
   10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
   11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
   12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
   13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
   14 And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
   15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.

It was written to Titus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Cretians, from Nicopolis of Macedonia.