Titus

1

Paul is a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect. God promised eternal life before time began, and manifested this promise in due time through preaching. Titus is a true son in our common faith. Grace, mercy and peace. Paul left Titus in Crete to appoint elders. Bishops must be virtuous, just, holy and self-controlled – similar to the virtures enumerated for bishops and deacons in 1 Timothy 3. They must also be able to engage in controversy successfully. The insubordinate who are ‘of the circumcision’ must be countered. Cretans are liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons, and must be rebuked. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure.


2

Speak the things which are proper for true doctrine. Older men should act temperately and with dignity. Older women should act likewise, teaching the younger women where necessary to be obedient and loving to their family. Young men should be sober and show integrity. Bondservants should be obedient and loyal to their masters. The grace of God has appeared to all men, and teaches us that we must live soberly and righteously, looking for the glorious ‘appearing’ of our saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for himself his own special people, zealous for good works. Exhort, and rebuke with all authority.


3

Remind those in your charge to be subject to authority, peaceable and gentle. Remind that we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient and deceived. The kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy. The Holy Spirit renews and regenerates us. Justified by Christ’s grace, we become heirs of eternal life. Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. Avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law. Reject divisive men. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis. Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste. Maintain good works. Grace be with you all. Amen.