|
|
3:1 Remind the brothers and sisters also to be submissive and obedient to rulers and authorities, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable and gentle, showing all humility towards all men and women. 3 For we ourselves were once also without understanding, unwilling to be persuaded, wandering, serving various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. • 4 When, however, the kindness and love of the God of our Savior for mankind became visible, 5 not out of works of rightness that we did, but according to His mercy, • He saved us through the bath of the rebirth [regeneration] and through the renewing and making fresh of the Devoted Spirit 6 whom He poured out upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior, • 17 so that, having been made pure and devoted by that grace [the gift of God Himself], we should be heirs according to the hope of age-unfolding life.
8 This word is trustworthy, and I want to affirm confidently concerning these things, so that those believing God may take care to give full attention to good works. These things are beautiful and beneficial to humans. 9 Avoid foolish controversies, however, and genealogies, that is, claims made on the basis of natural birth, and arguments and quarrels over the law, for they are worthless and useless [c]. 10 Reject a man who causes divisions after a first and second warning, 11 being aware that such a man is turned inside out and is falling short, being self-condemned.
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me into Nicopolis; for there I have decided to winter. 13 Earnestly equip and send out Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that nothing should be lacking to them. 14 Let our people also learn to devote themselves to good works for obtaining essential needs, so that they should not be without fruit. 15 All those who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us inside the faith. Grace [God Himself] be with all of you. Let it be so – it is so.
|
|
