Letter to Titus 3

¹ Remind them that it is their duty to be obedient to the officials and representatives of the government; to be ready to do good at every opportunity;

² not to go slandering other people or picking quarrels, but to be courteous and always polite to all kinds of people.

³ Remember, there was a time when we too were ignorant, disobedient and misled and enslaved by different passions and luxuries; we lived then in wickedness and ill-will, hating each other and hateful ourselves.

⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed,

⁵ it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit

⁶ which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour.

⁷ He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.

⁸ This is doctrine that you can rely on.

⁹ But avoid pointless speculations, and those genealogies, and the quibbles and disputes about the Law – these are useless and can do no good to anyone.

¹⁰ If a man disputes what you teach, then after a first and a second warning, have no more to do with him:

¹¹ you will know that any man of that sort has already lapsed and condemned himself as a sinner.

¹² As soon as I have sent Artemas or Tychicus to you, lose no time in joining me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter.

¹³ See to all the travelling arrangements for Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, and make sure they have everything they need.

¹⁴ All our people are to learn to occupy themselves in doing good works for their practical needs as well, and not to be entirely unproductive.

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