Titus 3

 

1 Remind them to submit to rulers and governing authorities, and to heed (their ordinances), taking advantage of every opportunity to do good,

 

2 And to speak well of all men, and not vilifying them, but be gentle and peaceful, giving every consideration to all men.

 

3 Because we ourselves (before we were persuaded of the grace of God toward us) were sometimes foolish, unbelieving, unwilling to be persuaded (of God’s love toward us), deceived (having gone out of the way), serving our various worldly lusts and pleasures (by what we could gather to ourselves by our own hands), living a cursed life filled with labor and annoyances, hateful (and resentful) of that which is good and hating one another.

 

4 But after the (everlasting) kindness and love of God our Savior was revealed toward man (appearing in immortal flesh in the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

 

5 (Which did) not (come) by works of righteousness which we performed (with our own hands), but according to His mercy (and lovingkindness towards us), He saved us (from death), by the washing (away of death and corruption) in the regeneration of man, (physically recreating man immortal in the body of Jesus Christ, the firstborn from the dead), and renewing (again the promise) of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit of life);

 

6 Which He (has) poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;

7 That being justified by His grace (from the accusation that we were not the sons of God), we should be made (heirs of God and) co-heirs according  to the (sure) hope (of the promise) of eternal life (the same life and immortality we see in Christ Jesus our Lord).

 

8 This is the most trustworthy saying (because God who has promised it, will also bring it to completion), and these (are the) things I would like you to confidently affirm and proclaim (both to each other and publicly), so that they which have believed in (the word that) God (has spoken in Christ to all people) might give heed to (this word, allowing it to give birth in their heart) and walk in (His) good works (enjoying His life). These sayings are the things which are good and profitable to all men.

 

9 But avoid foolish (and worthless) debates, and (endless) genealogies (claiming special pedigree), and arguments (over words), and quarreling about (the need to perform ceremonial rituals of) the law; for they are unprofitable and worthless (in their ability to edify).

 

10 A man that is (still) causing division after the first and second warning, turn away from (and let him go, give him over to his own persuasion);

Titus

11 Knowing that he that is doing these things has turned away from the truth (turning it inside out) and continues to walk out of the way that leads to life and peace, (in the way) wherein he will condemn himself (in his own heart).

 

12 When I send Ar’te-mas to you, or Tych’i-cus, be certain to come to me in Ni-cop’o-lis: for I have determined to stay the winter there.

 

13 Bring Ze’nas the lawyer (who is more of an expert in the law than a normal scribe) and A-pol’los, well supplied with everything they need for their journey, so that they are not in want of anything.

 

14 And let our (brethren) also learn (from the word of life you speak at Crete) to give strict attention to establish themselves in the truth (revealed in Christ and Him crucified, which will serve them) with all that is necessary for life and Godlikeness, so that (being persuaded to rest in His good works) they would not (ever) be unfruitful.

 

15 All that are with me salute you. Greet those who love us in (the fellowship of) the faith (of Jesus Christ). Grace be with you all. Amen.