1 Remind them to submit themselves to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for indeed every kind of good work, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable, gracious, displaying toward all people the utmost humility. 3 After all, we, too, were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, slaves to evil desires and passions of various kinds, living lives of malice and envy, loathsome, hating one another. 4 Yet when this appeared—God our Savior’s kindness and compassionate concern for mankind— 5 it wasn’t because of works of righteousness that we ourselves did that he saved us, but because of his own great mercy, by washing us, by regenerating and renewing us through the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus the Messiah our Savior, 7 so that, having been mercifully held to be righteous by his gift, we might become heirs in accordance with the hope of the life of the coming age. 8 Trustworthy is this saying. These things I want you to assert with confidence, so that those who have put their faith in God will be careful to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are valuable and beneficial for people. 9 Keep away, however, from foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and quarrels about Torah, because they are useless and worthless. 10 If someone is causing divisions, give him a first and then a second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with him, 11 because you know that such a person is twisted and sinful; his own actions are proof enough of his guilt.

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do everything you can to come to me in the city of Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Make every effort to furnish food and anything else needed for travel to Zenas the lawyer and Apollos; make sure they don’t lack a thing for their journey. 14 The believers in Crete, too, must learn to devote themselves to good deeds, so as to meet pressing needs, so that they aren’t unfruitful. 15 Those who are with me, all of them, send you greetings. Please greet our dear friends in the faith. Grace be with all of you.