1 Gently remind them to be good citizens, to be ready to do all kinds of good deeds, 2 to not slander, and to be peaceable, moderate, and gentle to all people.
3 We too were once foolish and incorrigible, being deceived and enslaved to various desires and gratifications. We were malicious and envious and hateful to each other. 4 But when our Savior God’s kindness and compassion for people appeared, 5 he saved us— not because of anything we did right, but according to his mercy. He saved us by bathing us in the rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 which he poured out on us generously through our Savior Jesus Christ. 7 Being cleared of all charges by that favor, we can become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 You can count on that!
I want you to insist upon these things, so that those who have trusted in God may lead the way when it comes to good deeds. This is good and beneficial for the people. 9 Yet keep your distance from ridiculous speculation and genealogies, and tension and fighting about the law; they are worthless and pointless. 10 Reject a divisive person after two warnings. 11 You can be sure that they have excluded themselves and are in error; they are self-condemned.
Final instructions
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to visit me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to stay there this winter. 13 Send out Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with whatever they need. 14 All those with me greet you; please greet our friends in the faith. Favor be with you all.