Titus 3

Be Ready for Every Good Work

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Greetings

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 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

Titus 3

Conduct Toward Those Outside the Church

1 Remind them to be subject to rulers ands authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.2 They must not slandert 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 t 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 measuret through Jesus Christ our Savior.

7 And so,t since we have been justified by his grace, we become heirs with the confident expectation of eternal life.”t

Summary of the Letter

8 This sayings is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on such truths,t 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,t quarrels, and fights about the law,s because they are useless and empty.10 Reject a divisive person after one or two warnings.

11 You knowt that such a person is twisted by sint and is conscious of it himself.t

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 helpt Zenas the lawyert and Apollos on their way; make sure they have what they need.t14 Here is another way that our peoplet can learnt 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.t Grace be with you all.s