Godly Living
1 Remind people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be readyandwilling to do good,
2 to slanderorabuse no one, to be kindandconciliatory and gentle, showing unqualified considerationandcourtesy toward everyone.
3 For we too once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to varioussinfuldesires and pleasures, spendingandwasting our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
4 But when the goodnessandkindness of God our Savior andHislove for mankind appeared [in human form as the Man, Jesus Christ],
5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassionandmercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 so that we would be justified [made free of the guilt of sin] by His [compassionate, undeserved] grace, and that we would be [acknowledged as acceptable to Him and] made heirs of eternal life [actually experiencing it] according to our hope (His guarantee).
8 This is a faithfulandtrustworthy saying; and concerning these things I want you to speak with great confidence, so that those who have believed God [that is, those who have trusted in, relied on, and accepted Christ Jesus as Savior,] will be careful to participate in doing goodandhonorable things. These things are excellent [in themselves] and profitable for the people.
9 But avoid foolishandill-informedandstupid controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about the Law, for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 After a first and second warning reject a divisive man [who promotes heresy and causes dissension–ban him from your fellowship and have nothing more to do with him],
11 well aware that such a person is twisted and is sinning; he is convictedandself-condemned [and is gratified by causing confusion among believers].
Personal Concerns
12 When I send Artemas or [perhaps] Tychicus to you, make every effort 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; see that they are suppliedandlack nothing.
14 Our people must learn to do good deeds to meet necessary demands [whatever the occasion may require], so that they will not be unproductive.
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with all of you.