1. Teach your people to obey the leaders of their country. They should be ready to do any good work.
2. They must not speak bad of anyone, and they must not argue. They should be gentle and kind to all people.
3. There was a time when we were foolish and did not obey. We were fooled in many ways. Strong desires held us in their power. We wanted only to please ourselves. We wanted what others had and were angry when we could not have them. We hated others and they hated us.
4. But God, the One Who saves, showed how kind He was and how He loved us
5. by saving us from the punishment of sin. It was not because we worked to be right with God. It was because of His loving-kindness that He washed our sins away. At the same time He gave us new life when the Holy Spirit came into our lives.
6. God gave the Holy Spirit to fill our lives through Jesus Christ, the One Who saves.
7. Because of this, we are made right with God by His loving-favor. Now we can have life that lasts forever as He has promised.
8. What I have told you is true. Teach these things all the time so those who have put their trust in God will be careful to do good things. These things are good and will help all men.
9. Do not argue with people about foolish questions and about the Law. Do not spend time talking about all of your early fathers. This does not help anyone and it is of no use.
10. Talk once or twice to a person who tries to divide people into groups against each other. If he does not stop, have nothing to do with him.
11. You can be sure he is going the wrong way. He is sinning and he knows it.
12. I will send Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them gets there, try to come to me in the city of Nicopolis. I have decided to spend the winter there.
13. Zenas, the man who knows the law, and Apollos are going on a trip. Do everything you can to help them.
14. Our people must learn to work hard. They must work for what they need and be able to give to others who need help. Then their lives will not be wasted.
15. All those with me here greet you. Greet my Christian friends there. May you have God's loving-favor.