Be Ready for Every Good Work

1Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

2to slander no one, and to be peaceable and considerate, always showing gentleness toward everyone.

3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, and enslaved to various lusts and pleasures. Living in wickedness and envy, we were loathsome and hated one another.

4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,

5he saved us, not because of any righteous works we had done, but according to his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit.

6He richly poured out his Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8This saying is trustworthy. I want yoʋ to insist on these things, so that those who have put their trust in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are good and beneficial for people.

9But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, quarrels, and ⁸disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.

10Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning.

11For yoʋ know that such a person is corrupted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Instructions and Greetings

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

13Do everything yoʋ can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and make sure they lack nothing.

14Our people must learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

15All who are with me greet yoʋ. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. ⁹Amen. ¹⁰