Qualified Elders

⁵ For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should ^(A)set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you— ⁶ if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, ^(B)having faithful children not accused of ^[a]dissipation or insubordination. ⁷ For a ^[b]bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, ^(C)not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, ⁸ but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, ⁹ holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

The Elders’ Task

¹⁰ For there are many insubordinate, both idle ^(D)talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, ¹¹ whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, ^(E)for the sake of dishonest gain. ^12 (F)One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. ^(G)Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, ¹⁴ not giving heed to Jewish fables and ^(H)commandments of men who turn from the truth. ^15 (I)To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. ¹⁶ They profess to ^(J)know God, but ^(K)in works they deny Him, being ^[c]abominable, disobedient, ^(L)and disqualified for every good work.

Qualities of a Sound Church

2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:

²⁸ Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because ^(A)your redemption draws near.”

The Parable of the Fig Tree^(B)

^29 (C)Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. ³⁰ When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. ³¹ So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. ³² Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. ^33 (D)Heaven and earth will pass away, but My ^(E)words will by no means pass away.