1 Remind them to be subject to rulers {archais: governmental leaders} and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work {ergon: intentional action}.
2 To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable and gentle, showing all gentleness {prauteta: meek, restrained strength} toward all people {anthropous: human beings}.
3 For we ourselves also were once foolish, disobedient, being led astray, serving various desires and pleasures, spending our days in evil {kakia: moral corruption} and envy, hateful, and hating one another {allelous: mutually}.
4 But when the kindness {chrestotes: generous goodness} and the love for humanity of God {Theos, Saving Redeemer} our Savior appeared,
5 Not from works done in righteousness {dikaiosyne: complete moral uprightness} which we performed, but according to His mercy He {Theos, Merciful Savior} saved us through the washing {loutron: cleansing bath image} of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit {pneuma hagion, Life-Giving Renewer}.
6 Whom He {Theos, Gracious Outpourer} poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ {Iesous Christos, Mediating Savior} our Savior.
7 So that, having been justified by His {Theos, Justifying Savior} grace, we might become heirs {kleronomoi: covenant inheritors} according to the hope of eternal life.
8 The saying is trustworthy, and concerning these things I desire you to affirm confidently, so that those who have believed in God {Theos, Worthy Of Trust} may be careful to take the lead in good works. These things are good {kalos: noble in character} and beneficial for people.
9 But avoid foolish questions {zeteseis: argumentative inquiries} and genealogies and quarrels and legal disputes and fights, for they are unprofitable and vain {mataioi: empty outcomes}.
10 Reject a divisive person {hairetikon: division maker} after a first and a second warning {nouthesian: corrective instruction}.
11 Knowing that such a person has turned aside {exestraptai: morally warped} and sins, being self-condemned {autokatakritos: judged by oneself}.
12 Whenever I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis {Nikopolin: coastal city}, for there I have decided to spend the winter {paracheimasai: winter stay}.
13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos earnestly {spoudaios: with careful effort} on their way, so that nothing may be lacking {leipe: be missing} for them.
14 And let our people {hemeteroi: community members} also learn to take the lead in good works for urgent needs {chreias: necessary support}, so that they may not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith {pistis: shared belief}. Grace {charis: divine favor and strength} be with you all.