Heirs of Grace

1Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to obey rulers, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, to be not quarrelsome, gentle, showing all meekness toward all men.

3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, being deceived, being in slavery to various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

4But when the kindness and the love of mankind of God our Savior appeared, 5not by works in righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through the washing of regeneration† and a renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8Trustworthy is the word, and I want you to affirm strongly concerning these things, so that those having believed God may take thought to devote themselves to good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Avoid Divisions
(Romans 16:17–20)

9But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and contentions and quarrels about the law; for they are unprofitable and futile.

10Reject a divisive man after one and a second admonition, 11knowing that such a man is warped and is sinning, being self-condemned.

Final Remarks and Greetings

12When I shall send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there. 13Diligently send forth Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, so that nothing may be lacking to them. 14And also let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for necessary needs, so that they may not be unfruitful.

15All those with me greet you.

Greet those loving us in the faith.

Grace be with all of you⁺.†

Footnotes:

5 Or of new birth
15 BYZ and TR include Amen.