3 ¹ Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, 3 ² to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men.

3 ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another; 3 ⁴ but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, 3 ⁵ he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, 3 ⁶ which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 3 ⁷ so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life. 3 ⁸ The saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men. 3 ⁹ But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. 3 ¹⁰ As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, 3 ¹¹ knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.