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Christian Living among Outsiders

¹ Remind them to submit^(C1) to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, ² to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness^(C1) to all people. ³ For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions^(C1) and pleasures,^(C2) living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,^{(C1) 5} he saved us^(C1)—not by works of righteousness that we had done,^(C2) but according to his mercy^(C3)—through the washing of regeneration^(C4) and renewal by the Holy Spirit.^{(C5) 6} He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly^(C1) through Jesus Christ our Savior ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(C1) we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.^{(C2) 8} This saying is trustworthy.^(C1) 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. ⁹ But avoid foolish debates,^(C1) genealogies,^(C2) quarrels,^(C3) and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ Reject a divisive^(C1) person after a first and second warning.^{(C2) 11} For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Closing

¹² When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you,^(C1) make every effort to come to me^(C2) in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos^(C1) on their journey, so that they will lack^(C2) nothing.

¹⁴ Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.^{(C1) 15} All those who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.^(C1)