1 aRemind them bto be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be cready for every good deed, 2 to malign no one, ato be peaceable, agentle, bshowing every consideration for all men. 3 aFor we also once were foolish ourselves, bdisobedient, cdeceived, denslaved to evarious lusts and pleasures, spending our life in fmalice and fenvy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the akindness of bGod our Savior and His love for mankind cappeared, 5 aHe saved us, bnot on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but caccording to His mercy, by the dwashing of regeneration and erenewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 awhom He poured out upon us brichly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made aheirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 aThis is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I bwant you to speak confidently, so that those who have cbelieved God will be careful to dengage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. 9 But aavoid bfoolish controversies and cgenealogies and strife and ddisputes about the Law, for they are eunprofitable and worthless. 10 aReject a bfactious man cafter a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is aperverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 12 When I send Artemas or aTychicus to you, bmake every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to cspend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the alawyer and bApollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. 14 aOur people must also learn to bengage in good deeds to meet cpressing needs, so that they will not be dunfruitful. 15 aAll who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us bin the faith.