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

²to vilify no one, to be peaceable, to be gentle, always showing gentleness to all humans.

³For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

⁴But when the kindness and humanity-love of our Savior God began showing,

⁵ʜᴇ saved us—not by righteous works that we have done, but according to ʜɪꜱ mercy—through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

⁶whom ʜᴇ poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

⁷so that, being justified by ʜɪꜱ grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

⁸This is a trustworthy statement, and I want you to strongly affirm these things, so that those who have believed God may be careful to devote themselves to excellent works. These things are excellent and profitable for all humanity.

⁹But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, infighting, and disputes about the Law, because they are unprofitable and useless.

¹⁰Reject a divisive human after a first and second warning,

¹¹knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

Personal Closing

¹²When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

¹³Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, ensuring that they lack nothing.

¹⁴Our people must learn to devote themselves to excellent works to meet urgent needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

¹⁵Everyone with me greets you. Greet those who love us in faith.

Grace be with all y’all.