3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,
3:2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
3:3 At one time 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.
3:4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
3:5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
3:6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
3:7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
3:9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
3:10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him.
3:11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
3:12 As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
3:13 Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.
3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
3:15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
3:1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
3:2 To slander no one, to be uncontentious, forbearing, showing all meekness toward all men.
3:3 For we also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving as slaves various lusts and pleasures, spending our lives in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
3:4 But when the kindness and the love to man of our Savior God appeared,
3:5 Not out of works in righteousness which we did but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit,
3:6 Whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
3:7 In order that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
3:8 Faithful is the word, and concerning these things I desire you to confidently affirm, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to maintain respectable works. These things are good and profitable to men.
3:9 But avoid foolish questionings and genealogies and strifes and contentions about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain.
3:10 A factious man, after a first and second admonition, refuse,
3:11 Knowing that such a one is perverted and is sinning, though he is condemned by his own self.
3:12 When I send Artemas to you or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
3:13 Zenas the lawyer and Apollos send forward diligently that nothing may be lacking to them.
3:14 And let those also who are ours learn to maintain respectable works for their necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
3:15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all.