GodsWord - Titus - 1

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.