Reminders for Godly Living

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every humility toward all people.
3 For we ourselves also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

God’s Mercy and Salvation

4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour and his love for humanity appeared,
5 he saved us not because of works in righteousness that we did, but according to his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit,
6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Instructions for Good Works

8 This is a trustworthy statement, and I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good works. These things are good and profitable for people.
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and fights about the law; for they are unprofitable and worthless.
10 Warn a divisive person once, and then a second time; and after that, have nothing to do with him,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.

Personal Instructions and Greetings

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis; for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way in such a manner that nothing is lacking for them.
14 And let our people also learn to devote themselves to good works to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.