Titus 1:5-11

Contemporary English Version

What Titus Was To Do in Crete

⁵ I left you in Crete to do what had been left undone and to appoint leaders^[a] for the churches in each town. As I told you, ^6 (A) they must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage.^[b] Their children must be followers of the Lord and not have a reputation for being wild and disobedient.

⁷ Church officials^[c] are in charge of God's work, and so they must also have a good reputation. They must not be bossy, quick-tempered, heavy drinkers, bullies, or dishonest in business. ⁸ Instead, they must be friendly to strangers and enjoy doing good things. They must also be sensible, fair, pure, and self-controlled. ⁹ They must stick to the true message they were taught, so their good teaching can help others and correct everyone who opposes it.

¹⁰ There are many who don't respect authority, and they fool others by talking nonsense. This is especially true of some Jewish followers. ¹¹ But you must make them be quiet. They are after money, and they upset whole families by teaching what they should not.