1 R emind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,

2 t o malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.

3 F or we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

4 B ut when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,

5 H e saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

6 w hom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 s o that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 T his is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.

9 B ut avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

10 R eject a factious man after a first and second warning,

11 k nowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. Personal Concerns

12 W hen I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

13 D iligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.

14 O ur people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

15 A ll who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.