Salutation
1 Paul, a bond-servant of God and an (WAS A DISCIPLE, NOW AN) apostle of Jesus Christ, [a]for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised [b]long ages ago,
3 but at the proper time revealed His word in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;
4 To Titus, my true ? [c]son [d]in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Qualifications of Elders (vs. deacons)
5 For this reason I left you in Crete that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,
6 namely, if any man is beyond reproach, the husband of one wife (NOT MANY), having children who believe (WE CAN’T CONTROL THIS) not accused of indecent behavior or rebellion.
7 For the [e]overseer must be beyond reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not overindulging in wine, not [f]a bully, not greedy for money,
8 but hospitable, loving what is good, self-controlled, righteous, holy, disciplined,
9 holding firmly the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to [g]exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.
10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of [h]dishonest gain.
12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
13 This testimony is true. For this reason reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith !
14 not paying attention to Jewish myths (KABALLAH ETC) and commandments of men who turn away from the
truth.
15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.
16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.
Footnotes
a. Titus 1:1 Or according to
b. Titus 1:2 Lit before eternal times
c. Titus 1:4 Or child
d. Titus 1:4 Lit according to
e. Titus 1:7 Or bishop
f. Titus 1:7 Or combative
g. Titus 1:9 Or encourage
h. Titus 1:11 Or disgraceful
Proclaim Sound Doctrine (Older and younger saints, slaves and citizens, problem people; advice concerning ministry - MHM)
2:1 But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. (STUDY THE BIBLE)
2 Older men are to be [a]temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in [b]perseverance.
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, (1 TIM 5:23: Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)
4 so that they may [c]encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject (STRONG LANGUAGE) to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
6 Likewise urge the young men to be [d]sensible;
7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with [e]purity in doctrine, dignified,
8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
9 Urge [f]slaves (SERVANTS) to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not [g]argumentative,
10 not stealing, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, [h]bringing salvation to all people,
12 [i]instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing (2nd COMING) of the glory of [j]our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
14 who gave Himself for us to redeem (COUPON) us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.
15 These things speak and [k]exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you. THIS IS STRONG LANGUAGE AS WELL.
Footnotes
a. Titus 2:2 Or level-headed
b. Titus 2:2 Or steadfastness
c. Titus 2:4 Or train
d. Titus 2:6 Or sensible in all things; show
e. Titus 2:7 Or soundness; lit uncorruptness
f. Titus 2:9 I.e., slaves in first-century Roman culture
g. Titus 2:9 Lit contradicting
h. Titus 2:11 Or to all mankind, bringing
i. Titus 2:12 Or disciplining
j. Titus 2:13 Or the great God and our Savior
k. Titus 2:15 Or encourage
Godly Living
3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, (WHAT IS IF’S AGAINST GOD? PASTORS ARE BEING ARRESTED.)
2 to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. (I HAVE TO WORK ON THIS.)
3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the
washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that being justified (MADE RIGHT) by His grace we would be made heirs [a]according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies (LDS) and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless.
10 Reject a [b]divisive person after a first and second warning, (3RD STRIKE = OUT)
11 knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Personal Concerns
12 When I send Artemas (One of the seventy disciples and bishop of Lystra, according to Dorotheus (Bibl. Maxima (Lugd. 1677), III, 429), c/o Google.) or Tychicus (Tychicus (Colossians 4:7) we know went to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12).) to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis (the capital city of the Roman province of Epirus Vetus ), for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos (apostle. He was an Alexandrian by race, a learned (or eloquent) man, mighty in the Scriptures, c/o Google) on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. (HELP THEM WITH THEIR FINANCIAL NEEDS.)
14 Our people must also learn to engage in good [c]deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.
FOOTNOTES:
Titus 3:7 Or of eternal life according to hope;
Titus 3:10 Or factious;
Titus 3:14 Or occupations
