Definition: One of themselves, [even] a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Titus 1:12. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage that deals with how we can know if someone is truly genuine – whether they are a believer in Jesus Christ. Here’s the explanation, broken down into simpler terms: What it says: “One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, ‘The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.’” Let's unpack each part: “One of themselves…” : This is the key. The writer isn’t talking about someone outside of the group being tested. It means this person – whoever is being examined – is the one who is making this statement. It’s a direct accusation against themself. “[even]” : This word, “even,” adds emphasis and makes it a strong statement. It's not just saying "perhaps" or "maybe." It means absolutely . “a prophet of their own…” : This is the core of the accusation. The person making this statement is claiming to be a prophet – someone who speaks truth and accurately represents God’s word. It implies they are someone who understands and believes in something divinely revealed. “…said, ‘The Cretians [are] alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.’” : This is the shocking part. The person claims to have just made this statement – and it's a very harsh assessment! They’re labeling those who are believers (called "Cretians") as: Liars: They are lying. Evil Beasts: They are fundamentally wrong and morally corrupt. Slow Bellies: This is a figurative way of saying they are complacent, unmotivated, or unwilling to follow God’s will. So, what's the overall meaning? The writer is essentially saying: “This person claims to be a prophet of God, but they’re accusing those who believe in Jesus of being dishonest, evil, and slow to understand their truth.” Why is this important? This verse is significant because it highlights that even people who genuinely believe in Jesus can sometimes be deceptive. It's a reminder that we need to be discerning – to look beyond appearances and evaluate someone’s words and actions honestly. It challenges us to examine ourselves as well, so we don’t fall into the same trap of trying to trick others. In short, it’s saying that even someone who claims to be a messenger of God can be deceptive if they are not truly committed to truth. --- Disclaimer: I'm an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and should be considered one perspective among many. Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?