Study Desk

Paul a seruant of God, and an Apostle of Iesus Christ, according to the Faith of Gods Elect, and the acknowledging of the trueth which is after godlinesse,

In hope of eternall life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began:

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed vnto mee according to the commandement of God our Sauiour:

To Titus mine owne Sonne after the common faith, Grace, mercie, and peace from God the Father, and the Lord Iesus Christ our Sauiour.

For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordaine Elders in euery citie, as I had appointed thee.

If any be blamelesse, the husband of one wife, hauing faithfull children, not accused of riot, or vnruly.

For a Bishop must be blameles, as the steward of God: not selfewilled, not soone angry, not giuen to wine, no striker, not giuen to filthie lucre,

But a louer of hospitality, a louer of good men, sober, iust, holy, temperate,

Holding fast the faithfull word, as hee hath beene taught, that he may bee able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to conuince the gainsayers.

For there are many vnruly and vaine talkers and deceiuers, specially they of the circumcision:

Whose mouthes must be stopped, who subuert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthie lucres sake.

One of themselues, euen a Prophet of their owne, said: The Cretians are alway lyers, euill beasts, slow bellies.

This witnesse is true: wherefore rebuke them sharpely that they may be sound in the faith;

Not giuing heede to Iewish fables, and commandements of men that turne from the trueth.

Unto the pure all things are pure, but vnto them that are defiled, and vnbeleeuing, is nothing pure: but euen their mind and conscience is defiled.

They professe that they know God; but in workes they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and vnto euery good worke reprobate.