1
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
2
to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
3
For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
4
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
5
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6
whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7
that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
9
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
10
Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,
11
knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.
12
When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13
Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.