For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you;

if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination.

For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self- willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,

but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled,

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.

For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,

whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.

One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."

This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth.

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.

They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

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

"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

And He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.

"When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.

"So you, likewise, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.

"Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things are fulfilled.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.