1 R emind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

Teach your people to obey the leaders of their country. They should be ready to do any good work.

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

They must not speak bad of anyone, and they must not argue. They should be gentle and kind to all people. God Saved Us from All These Things

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

There was a time when we were foolish and did not obey. We were fooled in many ways. Strong desires held us in their power. We wanted only to please ourselves. We wanted what others had and were angry when we could not have them. We hated others and they hated us.

4 B ut when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared,

But God, the One Who saves, showed how kind He was and how He loved us

5 n ot 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,

by saving us from the punishment of sin. It was not because we worked to be right with God. It was because of His loving-kindness that He washed our sins away. At the same time He gave us new life when the Holy Spirit came into our lives.

6 w hom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior;

God gave the Holy Spirit to fill our lives through Jesus Christ, the One Who saves.

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

Because of this, we are made right with God by His loving-favor. Now we can have life that lasts forever as He has promised.

8 T his 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;

What I have told you is true. Teach these things all the time so those who have put their trust in God will be careful to do good things. These things are good and will help all men.

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

Do not argue with people about foolish questions and about the Law. Do not spend time talking about all of your early fathers. This does not help anyone and it is of no use.

10 A void a factious man after a first and second warning;

Talk once or twice to a person who tries to divide people into groups against each other. If he does not stop, have nothing to do with him.

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

You can be sure he is going the wrong way. He is sinning and he knows it.

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

I will send Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them gets there, try to come to me in the city of Nicopolis. I have decided to spend the winter there.

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

Zenas, the man who knows the law, and Apollos are going on a trip. Do everything you can to help them.

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

Our people must learn to work hard. They must work for what they need and be able to give to others who need help. Then their lives will not be wasted.

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

All those with me here greet you. Greet my Christian friends there. May you have God’s loving-favor.