Titus 3

Saved by his mercy

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,a ²to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.b ³For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.c

⁴But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,d ⁵He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.e ⁶This is the Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,f ⁷so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.g

⁸This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people.h

Avoid foolish controversies

⁹But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.i ¹⁰Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,j ¹¹knowing that such a man is corrupt and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final instructions

¹²As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there. ¹³Do your best to equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they will have everything they need. ¹⁴And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.k

¹⁵All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.