Maintain Good Deeds

3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work, ² to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men. ³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another; ⁴ but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, ⁶ which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.^{[a] 8} The saying is sure.

I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds;^[b] these are excellent and profitable to men. ⁹ But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile. ¹⁰ As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him, ¹¹ knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.

Final Messages and Benediction

¹² When I send Ar′temas or Tych′icus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicop′olis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. ¹³ Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apol′los on their way; see that they lack nothing. ¹⁴ And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds,^[c] so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.

¹⁵ All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith.

Grace be with you all.