Titus 3
Chapter 3
Do What Is Good
1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.
2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.t6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”
8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
9 Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigreest or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time.10 If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.
11 For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.
Paul’s Final Remarks and Greetings
12 I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter.13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need.
14 Our people must learn to do good by meeting the urgent needs of others; then they will not be unproductive.
15 Everybody here sends greetings. Please give my greetings to the believers—all who love us.
May God’s 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
