Titus 3
1 Remind [the believers] that they should submit to all those who rule them or have authority over them, and that they should obey them. They should be ready to do anything that is helpful.
Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
2 They should never say bad things about anyone, they should not quarrel with people, they should be patient [when others] ([irritate them/do things that they do not like]), [and they should] always treat all people as important.
to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, shewing all meekness toward all men.
3 [Remind your congregations about these things] because formerly we [believers] ourselves were also foolish, just like [all people who do not believe in Christ are now. We] did not obey ([God]/God’s message). [We let] others deceive us. We (spent all our time doing/continually did) what is evil and could not stop ourselves from doing all the things that our bodies liked [DOU]. We were (envying others/desiring to have what others have). We were causing people to hate us and we were hating one another.
For we also were aforetime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 Even though we were behaving sinfully like this, God our Savior [acted] kindly and lovingly to us [PRS], [and saved us]! He did this, not because we did things that are right, but just because he [wanted to be] merciful to us! He washed [us inwardly and gave] us a new way of living as a result of the Holy Spirit changing us inwardly.
But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,
not by works [done] in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost,
6 [Because we trusted in] Jesus Christ our Savior, God put the Holy Spirit within us [in order to] wonderfully [change us].
which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 He wanted to erase the record of our sins even though we did not deserve that, and he wanted us to receive all that [God desires] to give us. [These are the things that we] confidently expect to receive when we live [with him] eternally. (aiōnios g166)
that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (aiōnios g166)
8 These words that [I] have written are trustworthy. So, I want you to confidently teach the things [that I have written about in this letter] to those who have trusted in God, in order that they will be constantly devoted/attempting to do deeds that are good and helpful for others. Titus 3:8b-11 These [teachings] are beneficial and profitable for [all] people,
Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I will that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they which have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:
9 but there are people who foolishly dispute/argue [with you, wanting you to believe] senseless ([myths/stories that came from your ancestors]), stories in which there are (genealogies/lists of your ancestors’ names). They argue and quarrel [with you], ([insisting/telling you]) [that you must obey] the [Jewish] laws. (Stay [completely] away from/Do not talk with) them, because [arguing about such things] is not profitable [for anyone. It is completely] worthless!
but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10 Those people, [by teaching things that are false], are causing others (to turn away from/to quit believing) the true teachings. You must warn them [that God will judge them if they continue doing that. If they do not stop], warn them one more time. [If they still do not stop], then no [longer] have anything o do with them.
A man that is heretical after a first and second admonition refuse;
11 You will know [clearly] that such persons have [deliberately] (turned away [from/quit believing and obeying]) [the true teachings]. They know that they are doing what is sinful, [but they deliberately keep on doing it].
knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned.
12 I [expect to] send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. [As soon as one of them arrives], (make every effort/try hard) to come to me [quickly] at Nicopolis [city], because it is there that I have decided to [go and] stay during the stormy/winter [season].
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter.
13 As for Zenas (the lawyer/the expert in the law) and Apollos, [when they are ready to leave Crete Island], help them as much as you can in order that they may have everything [LIT] that [they need as they travel].
Set forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
14 Moreover, our [fellow believers] also should learn (to devote themselves to [doing/] constantly [do]) good deeds [for people] who need help in order that they, our fellow believers, will live very useful [LIT] lives.
And let our [people] also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
15 [As I finish this letter], everyone who is with me (says that they are thinking affectionately about you/wants me to send greetings to you). Tell those who are [there] who love us and believe [as we do] that we (are thinking affectionately about/greet) them. I pray/desire that our Lord Jesus Christ will continue to act kindly toward all of you.
All that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in faith. Grace be with you all.
