Dual Panel1Remind everyone to be submissive to the government and the authorities, and to obey them; to be ready for any honourable work;
2to slander no one, to avoid quarrels, and always to show forbearance and a gentle disposition to all.
3There was a time when we too were lost in folly and disobedience and were slaves to passions and pleasures of every kind. Our days were passed in malice and envy; hateful ourselves, we loathed one another.
4“But when the kindness and generosity of God our Saviour dawned upon the world,
5then, not for any good deeds of our own, but because he was merciful, he saved us through the water of rebirth and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit,
6which he lavished upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour,
7so that, justified by his grace, we might in hope become heirs to eternal life.”
8That is a saying you may trust.
Final instructions
SUCH are the points I want you to insist on, so that those who have come to believe in God may be sure to devote themselves to good works. These precepts are good in themselves and also useful to society.
9But avoid foolish speculations, genealogies, quarrels, and controversies over the law; they are unprofitable and futile.
10If someone is contentious, he should be allowed a second warning; after that, have nothing more to do with him,
11recognizing that anyone like that has a distorted mind and stands self-condemned in his sin.
12Once I have sent Artemas or Tychicus to you, join me at Nicopolis as soon as you can, for that is where I have decided to spend the winter.
13Do your utmost to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their travels, and see that they are not short of anything.
14And our own people must be taught to devote themselves to good works to meet urgent needs; they must not be unproductive.
15All who are with me send you greetings. My greetings to our friends in the faith. Grace be with you all!