Christian Living among Outsiders

1Remind them to be submissivea 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 gentlenessb to all people. 3For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passionsc and pleasures,d living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

4But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love

for mankind appeared,e

5He saved usf —

not by works of righteousness that we had done,g

but according to His mercyh —

through the washing of regenerationi

and renewal by the Holy Spirit.j

6He poured out this Spirit on us abundantlyk

through Jesus Christ our Savior

7so that, having been •justified by His grace,l

we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.m

8This saying is trustworthy.n 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,o genealogies,p quarrels,q and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10Reject a divisiver person after a first and second warning,s 11knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Closing

12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you,t make every effort to come to meu in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollosv on their journey, so that they will lackw nothing.

14And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works for cases of urgent need, so that they will not be unfruitful.x 15All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.y