English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you--
5
I left you in charge in Crete so you could complete what I left half-done. Appoint leaders in every town according to my instructions.
6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.
6
As you select them, ask, "Is this man well-thought-of? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble?"
7 For an overseer,as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
7
It's important that a church leader, responsible for the affairs in God's house, be looked up to - not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money-hungry.
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
8
He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself,
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
9
and have a good grip on the Message, knowing how to use the truth to either spur people on in knowledge or stop them in their tracks if they oppose it.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.