Chapter 1 - Messege to Titus
[1] Paul (a servant of God and an apostle of Iesus Christ) according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth (which is after godliness);
[2] In hope of eternal life (which God that cannot lie) promised before the world began;
[3] But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching (which is committed unto me) according to the commandment of God (our Saviour);
[4] To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God (the Father) and the Lord Iesus Christ (our Saviour).
[5] For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
[6] If any be blameless (the husband of one wife) having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
[7] For a bishop must be;
blameless, as the steward of God;
not self-willed,
not soon angry,
not given to wine,
no striker,
not given to filthy lucre;
[8] But a lover of hospitality,
a lover of good men,
sober,
just,
holy,
temperate;
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves (even a prophet of their own) said,
The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.