Titus 3
1 Erinnere sie, daß sie der obrigkeitlichen Gewalt unterthan seien, gehorchen und bereitwillig seien zu jedem guten Werke,
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.
2 niemand lästern, sich ferne von Streit halten, nachgiebig sein, nichts als Milde beweisend gegen jedermann.
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.
3 Denn einstmals waren auch wir unverständig, ungehorsam, verirrt, mancherlei Begierden und Lüsten fröhnend, lebend in Bosheit und Neid, des Abscheus Gegenstand, und untereinander uns hassend:
[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.
4 als aber die Güte und Menschenfreundlichkeit Gottes unseres Heilandes erschien,
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.
5 da hat er nicht durch Werke in Gerechtigkeit, welche wir thaten, sondern nach seinem Erbarmen uns gerettet durch ein Bad der Wiedergeburt und Erneuerung des heiligen Geistes,
6 den er ausgegossen hat auf uns reichlich durch Jesus Christus unsern Heiland,
[Because we trusted in] Jesus Christ our Savior, God put the Holy Spirit within us [in order to] wonderfully [change us].
7 damit wir gerechtfertigt durch dessen Gnade Erben würden nach der Hoffnung des ewigen Lebens. (aiōnios g166)
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)
8 Bewährt ist das Wort, und darüber wünsche ich sollst du festes Zeugnis geben, damit, die zum Glauben an Gott gekommen, sich befleißigen gute Werke zu treiben; das ist gut und nützlich für die Menschen.
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,
9 Thörichte Grübeleien, Geschlechtsregister, Streiterei und Gesetzeszänkereien aber sollst du meiden; sie nützen nichts und führen zu nichts.
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!
10 Einen Sektierer meide, wenn du ihn zum zweiten Male gewarnt hast,
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.
11 und denke, daß er verdreht ist und sündigt, durch sich selbst gerichtet.
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].
12 Wenn ich Artemas oder Tychikus an dich schicke, so eile zu mir nach Nikopolis zu kommen; denn dort habe ich im Sinn den Winter zu bleiben;
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].
13 Zenas aber, den Gesetzesgelehrten und Apollos fertige ab, unter Fürsorge, daß es ihnen an nichts fehle.
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].
14 Unsere Leute sollen auch lernen tüchtige Arbeit für die Notdurft zu treiben, damit sie nicht ohne Einkommen seien.
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.
15 Es grüßen dich alle, die bei mir sind. Grüße die uns lieben im Glauben. Die Gnade mit euch allen.
[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.
