CHAPTER 3

Be Ready for Every Good Work

1 aRemind them bto be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be cready for every good work,

2 to slander no one, ato be peaceable, bconsiderate, cdemonstrating all gentleness to all men.

3 aFor we ourselves also once were foolish, bdisobedient, cdeceived, denslaved to evarious lusts and pleasures, spending our life in fmalice and genvy, despicable, hating one another.

4 But when the akindness and affection of bGod our Savior cappeared,

5 aHe saved us, bnot by works which we did in righteousness, but caccording to His mercy, through the dwashing of regeneration and erenewing by the Holy Spirit,

6 awhom He poured out upon us brichly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

7 so that having been justified by His grace, we would become aheirs 1according to the hope of eternal life.

8 aThis is a trustworthy saying. And concerning these things I bwant you to speak confidently, so that those who have cbelieved God will be intent to dlead in good works. These things are good and profitable for men.

9 But aavoid bfoolish controversies and cgenealogies and strife and dconflicts about the Law, for they are eunprofitable and worthless.

10 aReject a bfactious man cafter a first and second warning,

11 knowing that such a man is aperverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Personal Instructions and Greetings

12 When I send Artemas or aTychicus to you, bbe diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to cspend the winter there.

13 Diligently help send Zenas the alawyer and bApollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.

14 aAnd our people must also learn to blead in good 1works to meet cpressing needs, so that they will not be dunfruitful.

15 aAll who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us bin the faith.

cGrace be with you all.