CHAPTER 3

1 Remind them to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work;

2 To speak evil of no one, not to be given to fighting, (to be) kind, shew shewing all meekness towards all men.

3 For we ourselves were also formerly foolish, disobedient, going astray, serving various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful,¹ and hating one another.

4 But after that the goodness and love of God our Savior towards men appeared,

5 Not by works, which were in righteousness, which we had done, but according to his mercy, he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and of the renewing of the Holy Spirit,

6 Which (or, whom) he shed abundantly on us, through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 That, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 A faithful saying: I wish thee to affirm these things, that they who have believed in God may be careful to excel in good works, (or, to extol good works, or, to assign to them the highest rank.) For these things are honorable and profitable to men.

9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and unnecessary.

10 Avoid an heretical man after the first and second admonition;

11 Knowing that he who is such is ruined, being condemned by himself.

12 When I shall send to thee Artemas, or Tychicus, hasten to come to me to Nicopolis for I have determined to winter there.

13 Be careful to help forward Zenas the lawyer, and Apollo, that they may not be in want of anything.

14 And let ours also learn to excel in good works (or, as formerly, to assign to them the highest rank, that they may excel,) for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me salute thee. Salute those who love us in faith. Grace (be) with you all. Amen.

It was written from Nicopolis of Macedonia, to Titus, who was ordained the first bishop of the Church of the Cretans.