3 1 Remind them to be submissive to the government and the authorities, to obey them, and to be ready for any honourable form of work; Or: ready always to do good. 3 2 to slander no one, not to pick quarrels, to show forbearance and a consistently gentle disposition towards all men.
3 3 For 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. 3 4 But when the kindness and generosity of God our Saviour dawned upon the world, 3 5 then, 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 Or: the water of rebirth and of renewal by ... the Holy Spirit. 3 6 For he sent down the Spirit upon us plentifully through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 3 7 so that, justified by his grace, we might in hope become heirs to eternal life. 3 8 These 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. Or: should make it their business to practice virtue. These precepts are good in themselves and useful to society. 3 9 But steer clear of foolish speculations, genealogies, quarrels, and controversies over the Law; they are unprofitable and pointless. 3 10 A heretic should be warned once, and once again; after that, have done with him, 3 11 recognizing that a man of that sort has a distorted mind and stands self-condemned in his sin.