Introduction to Titus and the Purpose of the Letter
Introduction to Titus and the Purpose of the Letter
1Paul , a servant of God , and an apostle of Jesus Christ , according to the faith of God’s elect , and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness ; 2In hope of eternal life , which God , that cannot lie , promised before the world began ; 3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching , which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour ; 4To Titus , mine own son after the common faith : Grace , mercy , and peace , from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour .
Qualifications for Elders
5For this cause left I thee in Crete , that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting , and ordain elders in every city , as I had appointed thee : 6If any be blameless , the husband of one wife , having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly . 7For a bishop must be blameless , as the steward of God ; not selfwilled , not soon angry , not given to wine , no striker , not given to filthy lucre ; 8But a lover of hospitality , a lover of good men , sober , just , holy , temperate ; 9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught , that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers .
The Importance of Sound Doctrine
10For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers , specially they of the circumcision : 11Whose mouths must be stopped , who subvert whole houses , teaching things which they ought not , for filthy lucre’s sake . 12One of themselves , even a prophet of their own , said , The Cretians are alway liars , evil beasts , slow bellies . 13This witness is true . Wherefore rebuke them sharply , that they may be sound in the faith ; 14Not giving heed to Jewish fables , and commandments of men , that turn from the truth . 15Unto the pure all things are pure : but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure ; but even their mind and conscience is defiled . 16They profess that they know God ; but in works they deny him , being abominable , and disobedient , and unto every good work reprobate .