A Worker Approved by God

¹⁴ Remind them of this, and warn them before the Lord^[a] that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.^(A)

²³ Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.^(A)

⁹ But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.^{(A) 10} After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions,^{(B) 11} since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you:^(A)

Do Not Judge Another

14 Welcome those who are weak in faith^[a] but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.^(A)

²¹ In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels, I warn you to keep these instructions without prejudice, doing nothing on the basis of partiality.^(A)

⁹ Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by regulations about food,^[a] which have not benefited those who observe them.^(A)

¹³ In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you^(A)

¹³ I think it right, as long as I am in this body,^[a] to refresh your memory,^(A)

²⁴ Since we have heard that certain persons who have gone out from us, though with no instructions from us, have said things to disturb you and have unsettled your minds,^[a](A)