1:1 From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I was sent to lead God's chosen people to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to a godly life.
1:2 My message is based on the confidence of eternal life. God, who never lies, promised this eternal life before the world began.
1:3 God has revealed this in every era by spreading his word. I was entrusted with this word by the command of God our Savior.
1:4 To Titus, a genuine child in the faith we share. Good will and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Savior are yours!
1:5 I left you in Crete to do what still needed to be done-appointing spiritual leaders in every city as I directed you.
1:6 A spiritual leader must have a good reputation. He must have only one wife and have children who are believers. His children shouldn't be known for having wild lifestyles or being rebellious.
1:7 Because a bishop is a supervisor appointed by God, he must have a good reputation. He must not be a stubborn or irritable person. He must not drink too much or be a violent person. He must not use shameful ways to make money.
1:8 Instead, he must be hospitable, love what is good, use good judgment, be fair and moral, and have self-control.
1:9 He must be devoted to the trustworthy message we teach. Then he can use these accurate teachings to encourage people and correct those who oppose the word.
1:10 There are many believers, especially converts from Judaism, who are rebellious. They speak nonsense and deceive people.
1:11 They must be silenced because they are ruining whole families by teaching what they shouldn't teach. This is the shameful way they make money.
1:12 Even one of their own prophets said, "Cretans are always liars, savage animals, and lazy gluttons."
1:13 That statement is true. For this reason, sharply correct believers so that they continue to have faith that is alive and well.
1:14 They shouldn't pay attention to Jewish myths or commands given by people who are always rejecting the truth.
1:15 Everything is clean to those who are clean. But nothing is clean to corrupt unbelievers. Indeed, their minds and their consciences are corrupted.
1:16 They claim to know God, but they deny him by what they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit to do anything good.
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