1 R emind people to be submissive to magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work,

Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

2 T o slander or abuse or speak evil of no one, to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody.

to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men.

3 F or we also were once thoughtless and senseless, obstinate and disobedient, deluded and misled; slaves to all sorts of cravings and pleasures, wasting our days in malice and jealousy and envy, hateful (hated, detestable) and hating one another.

For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 B ut when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man appeared,

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

5 H e saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by cleansing of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

6 W hich He poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.

whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior;

7 t hat we might be justified by His grace (by His favor, wholly undeserved),, and that we might become heirs of eternal life according to hope.

that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 T his message is most trustworthy, and concerning these things I want you to insist steadfastly, so that those who have believed in (trusted in, relied on) God may be careful to apply themselves to honorable occupations and to doing good, for such things are excellent and right, but good and profitable for the people.

This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men;

9 B ut avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and wrangling about the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile.

but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10 a man who is factious, after admonishing him a first and second time, reject,

Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning;

11 W ell aware that such a person has utterly changed (is perverted and corrupted); he goes on sinning is convicted of guilt and self-condemned.

knowing that such a one is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.

12 W hen I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, lose no time but make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

13 D o your utmost to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they want for (lack) nothing.

Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.

14 A nd let our own learn to apply themselves to good deeds (to honest labor and honorable employment), so that they may be able to meet necessary demands whenever the occasion may require and not be living idle and uncultivated and unfruitful lives.

Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

15 A ll who are with me wish to be remembered to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace (God’s favor and blessing) be with you all. Amen (so be it).

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