1 Remind them to submit to the governments, authorities, to obey the rule over them, to be ready unto every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, that they should be peaceable, gentle, showing all meekness to all men. 3 For when we also were without understanding, being disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in sin and envy, hateful, hating one another;
4 but when the goodness and philanthropy of God our Saviour appeared, 5 not from works which are in righteousness, which we did, but according to his own mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewal of the Holy Ghost, 6 whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 in order that, being justified by his faith, we may be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 The word is faithful, and I wish you to be established concerning these things, in order that those having believed in God may think to excel in good works. These things are beautiful and useful to the people: 9 but reject foolish questions, and genealogies, and strife, and controversies about law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 Reject a heretical man after the first and second admonition; 11 knowing that such an one is turned away, and is sinning, being self-condemned.
12 When I shall send Artemas or Tychicus to you, hasten to come to me at Nicopolis: for I have determined to spend the winter there. 13 Send on Zenas the lawyer and Apollos speedily, in order that nothing may be lacking to them.
14 And let our people indeed learn to excel in good works for necessary uses, in order that they may not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me salute you. Salute those who love us with the love of friendship in the faith. Grace be with you all.