Obedience to Authorities

1Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

God's Mercy to Us

3For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

4But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5He saved us, not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by that grace, we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8Trustworthy is the saying, and I want you to affirm strongly concerning these things, so that those believing God may take care to be devoted to good works. These things are excellent and profitable to men.

Avoiding Divisions

9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10Reject a factious man after one and a second admonition, 11knowing that such a man is corrupt and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Final Remarks and Greetings

12When I shall send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me into Nicopolis; for I have decided to winter there. 13Earnestly equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that nothing should be lacking to them. 14And also let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they should not be unfruitful.

15All those with me greet you.

Greet those loving us in the faith.

Grace be with all of you.a