Tite 3

¹Remind the people to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ²to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to be considerate to everyone. ³For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient and led astray, slaves to all kinds of desires and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. ⁴But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs with the hope of eternal life.^a

⁸This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God will be careful to devote themselves to doing good. These things are excellent and useful for everyone. ⁹But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. ¹⁰Warn a divisive person once, and then a second time. After that, have nothing more to do with them. ¹¹You can be sure that such a person is twisted and sinful, and condemns themselves.

¹²When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴Our people must also learn to devote themselves to doing good, so that they can meet urgent needs and not be unfruitful.

¹⁵Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.