The Holy See
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New American Bible

2002 11 11
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Chapter 3

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1 2 Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise.

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They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone.

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For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.

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But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared,

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not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit,

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whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior,

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so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

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This saying is trustworthy. 3 I want you to insist on these points, that those who have believed in God be careful to devote themselves to good works; these are excellent and beneficial to others.

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4 Avoid foolish arguments, genealogies, rivalries, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and futile.

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After a first and second warning, break off contact with a heretic,

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realizing that such a person is perverted and sinful and stands self-condemned.

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5 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, try to join me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter.

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Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey soon, and see to it that they have everything they need.

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But let our people, too, learn to devote themselves to good works to supply urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.

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All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

 

 

 




1 [1-8] The list of Christian duties continues from Titus 2:9-10, undergirded again as in Titus 2:11-13 by appeal to what God in Christ has done ( Titus 2:4-7; cf Titus 2:11-14). The spiritual renewal of the Cretans, signified in God's merciful gift of baptism ( Titus 3:4-7), should be reflected in their improved attitude toward civil authority and in their Christian relationship with all ( Titus 3:1-3).



2 [1] Magistrates and authorities: some interpreters understand these terms as referring to the principalities and powers of the heavenly hierarchy. To be open to every good enterprise: this implies being good citizens. It could also be translated "ready to do every sort of good work" (as Christians); cf Titus 3:14.



3 [8-11] In matters of good conduct and religious doctrine, Titus is to stand firm.



4 [9] See the note on 1 Tim 6:20-21.



5 [12-15] Artemas or Tychicus ( 2 Tim 4:12) is to replace Titus, who will join Paul in his winter sojourn at Nicopolis in Epirus, on the western coast of Greece.






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