Epistle to Titus

"Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior;To Titus, a true son in our common faith:Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior."

"For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."

"One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth."

"To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled."

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."

"This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men."

"But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned."

"When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful."