1Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey them, to be ready for every good work,

2to revile no one, to not be eager to fight, and to be gentle, showing all humility toward everyone.

3For once we ourselves were thoughtless and disobedient. We were led astray and enslaved by various passions and pleasures. We lived in evil and envy. We were detestable and hated one another.

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

5it was not by works of righteousness that we did, but by his mercy that he saved us. He saved us through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

6God richly poured the Holy Spirit on us through our Savior Jesus Christ,

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

8This message is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to engage themselves in good works. These things are good and useful for everyone.

9But avoid foolish debates and genealogies and strife and conflict about the law. Those things are unprofitable and worthless.

10Reject anyone who is causing divisions among you, after one or two warnings,

11knowing that such a person has turned from the right way and is sinning and condemns himself.

12When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, hurry and come to me at Nicopolis, where I have decided to spend the winter.

13Do everything you can to send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that they lack nothing.

14Our people must learn to engage themselves in good works that provide for urgent needs, and so not be unfruitful.

15All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with all of you.