[1] From Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I was sent to lead God's chosen people to faith and to the knowledge of the truth that leads to a godly life. [2] My message is based on the confidence of eternal life. God, who never lies, promised this eternal life before the world began. [3] God has revealed this in every era by spreading his word. I was entrusted with this word by the command of God our Savior. [4] To Titus, a genuine child in the faith we share. Good will and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Savior are yours! [5] I left you in Crete to do what still needed to be done-appointing spiritual leaders in every city as I directed you. [6] A spiritual leader must have a good reputation. He must have only one wife and have children who are believers. His children shouldn't be known for having wild lifestyles or being rebellious. [7] Because a bishop is a supervisor appointed by God, he must have a good reputation. He must not be a stubborn or irritable person. He must not drink too much or be a violent person. He must not use shameful ways to make money. [8] Instead, he must be hospitable, love what is good, use good judgment, be fair and moral, and have self-control. [9] He must be devoted to the trustworthy message we teach. Then he can use these accurate teachings to encourage people and correct those who oppose the word. [10] There are many believers, especially converts from Judaism, who are rebellious. They speak nonsense and deceive people. [11] They must be silenced because they are ruining whole families by teaching what they shouldn't teach. This is the shameful way they make money. [12] Even one of their own prophets said, "Cretans are always liars, savage animals, and lazy gluttons." [13] That statement is true. For this reason, sharply correct believers so that they continue to have faith that is alive and well. [14] They shouldn't pay attention to Jewish myths or commands given by people who are always rejecting the truth. [15] Everything is clean to those who are clean. But nothing is clean to corrupt unbelievers. Indeed, their minds and their consciences are corrupted. [16] They claim to know God, but they deny him by what they do. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit to do anything good.
