That testimony is true (Titus 1:13)

“That testimony

Is true.

For this reason,

Rebuke them sharply,

So that they may become

Sound in the faith.”

ἡ μαρτυρία αὕτη ἐστὶν ἀληθής. δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν ἔλεγχε αὐτοὺς ἀποτόμως, ἵνα ὑγιαίνωσιν ἐν τῇ πίστει,

Paul said, “That testimony (ἡ μαρτυρία αὕτη) is true (ἐστὶν ἀληθής).  For this reason (δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν), rebuke them (ἔλεγχε αὐτοὺς) sharply (ἀποτόμως), so that they may become sound (ἵνα ὑγιαίνωσιν) in the faith (ἐν τῇ πίστει).”  Only the Pauline letters used this word ἀποτόμως, that means abruptly, curtly, sharply, or severely.  Paul obviously agreed with this Cretan poet.  He said that this Greek poetic statement about the Cretans was true.  Thus, Titus had to take a strong stance.  He had to rebuke the people of Crete harshly or immediately when they said or did anything wrong.  He wanted them to have a good solid Christian faith belief.  How solid and sound is your Christian belief?