3 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready to do any good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, to be gentle, and to display every courtesy toward all people.
He Saved Us
3 For at one time we ourselves were also foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by many kinds of evil desires and pleasures, living in malice and jealousy, being hated[a] and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared, 5 he saved us—not by righteous works that we did ourselves, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified[b] by his grace, we might become heirs in keeping with the hope of eternal life.
8 This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to insist on these things, so that those who believe in God are intent on keeping busy with good works. These things are honorable and useful for the people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, because these are useless and fruitless. 10 Reject a divisive[c] person after a first and second warning, 11 because you know that such a man is twisted and is sinning. He condemns himself.
Closing Remarks
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort[d] to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos for their journey, so that they are not lacking anything. 14 Let our people also learn to busy themselves with good works when urgent needs arise, so that they are not unfruitful.
15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Amen.[e]
Footnotes
- Titus 3:3 Or hateful
- Titus 3:7 Or declared not guilty
- Titus 3:10 Or heretical
- Titus 3:12 Or hurry
- Titus 3:15 A few witnesses to the text omit Amen.