1 R ecuérdales que estén sujetos a los gobernantes, a las autoridades; que sean obedientes, que estén preparados para toda buena obra.

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 Q ue no injurien a nadie, que no sean contenciosos, sino amables, mostrando toda consideración para con todos los hombres.

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 P orque nosotros también en otro tiempo éramos necios, desobedientes, extraviados, esclavos de deleites y placeres diversos, viviendo en malicia y envidia, aborrecibles y odiándonos unos a otros.

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 P ero cuando se manifestó la bondad de Dios nuestro Salvador, y Su amor hacia la humanidad,

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

5 E l nos salvó, no por las obras de justicia que nosotros hubiéramos hecho, sino conforme a Su misericordia, por medio del lavamiento de la regeneración y la renovación por el Espíritu Santo,

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 q ue El derramó sobre nosotros abundantemente por medio de Jesucristo nuestro Salvador,

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

7 p ara que justificados por Su gracia fuéramos hechos herederos según la esperanza de la vida eterna.

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 P alabra fiel es ésta; y en cuanto a estas cosas quiero que hables con firmeza (confianza), para que los que han creído en Dios procuren ocuparse en buenas obras. Estas cosas son buenas y útiles para los hombres.

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 P ero evita controversias necias, genealogías, contiendas y discusiones acerca de la Ley, porque son sin provecho y sin valor.

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

10 A l hombre que cause divisiones, después de la primera y segunda amonestación, recházalo,

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

11 s abiendo que el tal es perverso y está pecando, habiéndose condenado a sí mismo. Recomendaciones Finales y Bendición

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 C uando te envíe a Artemas o a Tíquico, procura venir a verme en Nicópolis, porque he decidido pasar allí el invierno.

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 E ncamina con diligencia a Zenas, intérprete de la ley, y a Apolos, para que nada les falte.

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

14 Y que los nuestros aprendan a ocuparse en buenas obras, atendiendo a las necesidades apremiantes, para que no estén sin fruto.

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 T odos los que están conmigo te saludan. Saluda a los que nos aman en la fe. La gracia sea con todos ustedes.

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).