Bible in a Year · Day 349 of 365
Today’s reading: Titus 2 – Philemon 1 (3 chapters)
Read the passage below, or open your own Bible and follow along. The text here is the World English Bible, a public-domain translation, printed in full so the day’s reading is all on one page.
About Titus
Titus is a short letter to a leader left on the island of Crete to put churches in order. Paul gives instructions about elders, then turns to how different groups in the congregation should live, older men and women, young men, slaves, and everyone in relation to the wider society. The letter contains two of the clearest summaries of salvation in the New Testament, both of them insisting that grace teaches us to live differently rather than leaving behaviour alone. It is practical, blunt, and hopeful about what grace can produce.
What to watch for. Watch the phrase good works, which appears repeatedly, and notice that it always follows salvation rather than causing it. Read chapter 3 verses 4 to 7 slowly.
Titus 2
1But say the things which fit sound doctrine, 2that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance: 3and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good; 4that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.
6Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded; 7in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, 8and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned; that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us. 9Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting; 10not stealing, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.
11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; 13looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 14who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works. 15Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise you.
Titus 3
1Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; 9but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning,
11knowing that such a one is perverted and sins, being self-condemned. 12When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 14Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful. 15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Philemon 1
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker, 2to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, 5hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;
6that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus. 7For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. 8Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate, 9yet for love’s sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paul, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10I beg you for my child, whom I have become the father of in my chains, Onesimus,
11who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me. 12I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart, 13whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. 14But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. 15For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,
16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18But if he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account. 19I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides). 20Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.
21Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say. 22Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you. 23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public-domain translation. Day numbering follows the calendar year; you can start at Day 1 on any date.
