Heirs of Grace

1Remind them to submit to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work; 2to speak evil of no one, to be averse to strife, to be mild, showing all meekness to all men.

3For we also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving manifold desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But, when the kindness and the benevolence of God our Savior appeared, 5not by works of righteousness which we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through a washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit; 6Whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I will that you affirm confidently, that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Avoid Divisions
(Romans 16:17–20)

9But shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strife, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10A factious man, after a first and a second admonition, avoid; 11knowing that such a one has been turned aside, and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Final Remarks and Greetings

12When I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, give diligence to come to me to Nicopolis; for there I have decided to winter. 13Diligently send forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, that nothing may be lacking to them. 14And let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary wants, that they may not be unfruitful.

15All those who are with me salute you. Salute those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.