1Remind them to be submissive to the government and the authorities, to obey them, and to be ready for any honourable form of work; 2to slander no one, not to pick quarrels, to show forbearance and a consistently gentle disposition towards all men.
3For at one time we ourselves in our folly and obstinacy were all astray. We were slaves to passions and pleasures of every kind. Our days were passed in malice and envy; we were odious ourselves and we hated one another. 4But when the kindness and generosity of God our Saviour dawned upon the world, 5then, not for any good deeds of our own, but because he was merciful, he saved us through the water of rebirth and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. 6For he sent down the Spirit upon us plentifully through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7so that, justified by his grace, we might in hope become heirs to eternal life. 8These are words you may trust.
Such are the points I should wish you to insist on. Those who have come to believe in God should see that they engage in honourable occupations, which are not only honourable in themselves, but also useful to their fellow-men. 9But steer clear of foolish speculations, genealogies, quarrels, and controversies over the Law; they are unprofitable and pointless.
10A heretic should be warned once, and once again; after that, have done with him, 11recognizing that a man of that sort has a distorted mind and stands self-condemned in his sin.
12When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, make haste to join me at Nicopolis, for that is where I have determined to spend the winter. 13Do your utmost to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their travels, and see that they are not short of anything. 14And our own people must be taught to engage in honest employment to produce the necessities of life; they must not be unproductive.
15All who are with me send you greetings. My greetings to those who are our friends in truth. Grace be with you all!
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