¹⁵ To the pure, all things are pure,^(A) but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure.^(B) In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.^{(C) 16} They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.^(D) They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.^(E)

Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel

2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.^{(F) 2} Teach the older men^(G) to be temperate,^(H) worthy of respect, self-controlled,^(I) and sound in faith,^(J) in love and in endurance.

³ Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers^(K) or addicted to much wine,^(L) but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women^(M) to love their husbands and children, ⁵ to be self-controlled^(N) and pure, to be busy at home,^(O) to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands,^(P) so that no one will malign the word of God.^(Q)

⁶ Similarly, encourage the young men^(R) to be self-controlled.^{(S) 7} In everything set them an example^(T) by doing what is good.^(U) In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.^(V)

⁹ Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything,^(W) to try to please them, not to talk back to them, ¹⁰ and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior^(X) attractive.^(Y)

¹¹ For the grace^(Z) of God has appeared^(AA) that offers salvation to all people.^{(AB) 12} It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,^(AC) and to live self-controlled,^(AD) upright and godly lives^(AE) in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing^(AF) of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,^{(AG) 14} who gave himself for us^(AH) to redeem us from all wickedness^(AI) and to purify^(AJ) for himself a people that are his very own,^(AK) eager to do what is good.^(AL)

¹⁵ These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(AM) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^{(AN) 2} to slander no one,^(AO) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time^(AP) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(AQ) and love of God our Savior^(AR) appeared,^{(AS) 5} he saved us,^(AT) not because of righteous things we had done,^(AU) but because of his mercy.^(AV) He saved us through the washing^(AW) of rebirth and renewal^(AX) by the Holy Spirit,