Christian Living among Outsiders

1Remind them to submita to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentlenessa to all people. 3For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passionsa and pleasures,b living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,a 5he saved usa —not by works of righteousness that we had done,b but according to his mercyc — through the washing of regenerationd and renewal by the Holy Spirit.e 6He poured out his Spirit on us abundantlya through Jesus Christ our Savior 7so that, having been justified by his grace,a we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.b 8This saying is trustworthy.a 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. 9But avoid foolish debates,a genealogies,b quarrels,c and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. 10Reject a divisivea person after a first and second warning.b 11For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Closing

12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you,a make every effort to come to meb in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollosa on their journey, so that they will lackb nothing.

14Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.a 15All those who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.a