К Титу послание Апостола Павла

The time and place of writing this message are unknown. Titus, a pagan from birth, upon conversion began to accompany the Apostle on his travels and was often sent by him on errands to the churches (2 Cor. 8:12). From this letter it is clear that he was placed in charge of the church in Crete. Titus, my true child in our common faith. Paul, servant of God and apostle of Jesus Christ, to strengthen the elect of God in faith and knowledge of the truth leading to godliness, in the hope of eternal life, which God, unfaithful in His word, promised before time began, and in due time He revealed His word in a sermon entrusted to me by the command of our Savior God - Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. This is why I left you in Crete, so that you would complete what was unfinished and appoint presbyters in all the cities, as I commanded you - of those who are blameless, the husband of one wife, has faithful children, not guilty of debauchery or self-will. For a bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward, not insolent, not angry, not a drunkard, not pugnacious, not covetous, but hospitable, zealous for good, chaste, fair, pious, able to control himself. He would adhere to the true word, consistent with the teaching, so that he could instruct in sound doctrine and reprove his opponents. There are many who are disobedient, empty talkers, and deceivers, especially those who are circumcised. Such people should be silenced: they corrupt entire houses, teaching what they should not, out of shameful self-interest. Of these, one Cretan poet said: “Cretans are always deceitful, evil beasts, lazy bellies” 41. And this word is true. Therefore, rebuke them strictly, so that they may be sound in the faith, and they would not listen to the fables of the Jews and to the commandments of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure everything is pure, but for the defiled and unbelieving there is nothing pure, but their mind and conscience are defiled. They say that they know God, but in deeds they deny God, because they themselves are filthy and self-willed and unfit for any good deed. Chapter 2. The care of the shepherd for the flock But speak about what is in accordance with sound doctrine. So that the elders are sober, sedate, chaste, strong in faith, in love, in patience. So that the elders would wear clothes befitting saints, would not be slanderers, would not indulge in drunkenness, would teach goodness, admonish young people to love their husbands, love their children, to be chaste, pure, caring for the home, kind, submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God is not reproached. Also exhort the young men to be chaste. In everything, show yourself as an example of good deeds, in teaching sincerity, honesty, sedateness; a sound word, not reproachful, so that the enemy will be put to shame, not having anything bad to say about us. Teach slaves to obey their masters, to please in everything, not to argue, not to steal, but to show all good fidelity, so that they may adorn the teaching of our Savior God in everything. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, and teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live chastely and righteously and godly in this present age, awaiting the blessed hope and revelation of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ. He gave Himself for us in order to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for Himself His chosen people, zealous for good works. Thus speak, and persuade, and reprove with all authority, so that no one despises you. Chapter 3. Instruction on Doctrine Remind them to be subject to the rulers and powers and to be ready for every good work; not to slander anyone, not to be quarrelsome, but quiet, and to show all gentleness to everyone. We too were once foolish, disobedient, lost, slaves of lusts and various pleasures, we lived in malice and envy, we were envious of each other, we hated each other. When the grace and love of our Savior God appeared, He saved us not by righteous deeds, which we would have done, but by His mercy, He saved us by the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit, He poured it out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that we may be justified by His grace and be heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This word is true, and I bequeath to you that you especially confirm all this, so that those who believe in God try to be diligent in good deeds: all this is good and useful to people. Avoid crazy competitions and genealogies and disputes and strife about the law: they are useless and vain. The heretic, after the first and second admonition, turn away: It is obvious that such a person has become corrupted in the truth, sins and remains condemned by himself. When I send Artema or Tychicus to you, hurry up and come to me in Nikopol: I have settled there for the winter. Make sure to send Zina the lawyer and Apollos so that they do not need anything. Let ours also learn to practice good deeds and take care of necessary needs so that their lives are not fruitless. Greetings to you from all those who are with me. Greetings to those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. You might be interested in: