Christian Living among Outsiders
1 Remind them to submit z to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness a to all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions b and pleasures, c living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.
4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, d 5 he saved us e—not by works of righteousness that we had done, f but according to his mercyg—through the washing of regeneration h and renewal by the Holy Spirit. i 6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly j through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, k we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. l 8 This saying is trustworthy. m I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish debates, n genealogies, o quarrels, p and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive q person after a first and second warning. r 11 For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.
Final Instructions and Closing
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, s make every effort to come to me t in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos u on their journey, so that they will lack v nothing.
14 Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. w 15 All those who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. x