1:13a

This testimony is true: Paul himself begins speaking here again. These words are not from the Cretan prophet. In some languages this may be made clear by the ending of 1:12d. In some languages this must be made clear here. For example:

And I, Paul, say that this saying is true
-or-
What the prophet said about the Cretans is true.

1:13b

Therefore rebuke them sternly: The phrase rebuke them sternly means to tell them very strongly that they are wrong. The Greek tense indicates an ongoing action. For example:

Therefore, keep/continue rebuking them strongly

them: This word probably refers to the rebellious people. In some languages a literal translation will be clear enough. In some languages explaining who this group is will be helpful. For example:

those rebellious people

1:13c

so that they will be sound in the faith: This is a purpose clause. The phrase so that introduces Paul’s first purpose in telling Titus to rebuke rebellious people. He wanted Titus to help them become strong in the true faith. For example:

so that they may become sound in the faith (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
in order that they may believe accurately
-or-
so that they continue to have faith that is alive and well (God’s Word)
-or-
to make them strong in the faith (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

they will be sound in the faith: Here the word sound means “healthy” or “free of errors.” See how you translated the word sound in 1:9.

in the faith: The phrase the faith here refers to the content of the Christian religion as a whole. This includes its doctrines about Jesus Christ and the gospel as well as its teachings about how Christians should behave.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.