Heirs of the Father's Grace
3 1 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to be genuinely courteous to everyone. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, enslaved to all kinds of passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hated and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of our Father, our Savior, appeared, a a v4 Here "Savior" names our Father himself — the source of salvation, who saves us through his Son and by his Spirit (verses 5-6). 5 he saved us, not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but according to his own mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, justified by his grace, we might become heirs in the hope of eternal life. 8 This saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have put their faith in our Father may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, disputes, and quarrels about the law, for they are useless and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, warn him once, then twice, and after that have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he stands self-condemned.
Final Words and Greetings
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to meet urgent needs and live fruitful lives.
15 All who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.