Obedience to Authorities 1Put them in mind to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient to rule, to be ready to do every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, [to be] mild, shewing all meekness towards all men. God's Mercy to Us 3For we were once ourselves also without intelligence, disobedient, wandering in error, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love to man of our Saviour God appeared, 5not on the principle of works which [have been done] in righteousness which we had done, but according to his own mercy he saved us through [the] washing of regeneration and renewal of [the] Holy Spirit, 6which he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7that, having been justified by his grace, we should become heirs according to [the] hope of eternal life. 8The word [is] faithful, and I desire that thou insist strenuously on these things, that they who have believed God may take care to pay diligent attention to good works. These things are good and profitable to men. Avoiding Divisions 9But foolish questions, and genealogies, and strifes, and contentions about the law, shun; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10An heretical man after a first and second admonition have done with, 11knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned. Final Remarks and Greetings 12When I shall send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus, use diligence to come to me to Nicopolis; for I have decided to winter there. 13Zenas the lawyer and Apollos set forward diligently on their way, that nothing may be lacking to them; 14and let ours also learn to apply themselves to good works for necessary wants, that they may not be unfruitful. 15All with me salute thee. Salute those who love us in [the] faith. Grace [be] with you all. |