1 P ut them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,

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

2 t o speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.

To 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.

3 F or we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

For 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.

4 B ut when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,

But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man appeared,

5 n ot by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

He 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,

6 w hich he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

Which He poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.

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

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

8 F aithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:

This 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.

9 b ut shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

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

10 A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse;

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

11 k nowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned.

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

12 W hen I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter.

When 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.

13 S et forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

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

14 A nd let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

And 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.

15 A ll that are with me salute thee. Salute them that love us in faith. Grace be with you all.

All 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).