Study Desk

Remind them ^(a)to be submissive to rulers and authorities, ^(b)to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

^(c)to speak evil of no one, ^(d)to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and ^(e)to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

For ^(f)we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

But when ^(g)the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,

he saved us, ^(h)not because of works done by us in righteousness, but ⁽ⁱ⁾according to his own mercy, by ^(j)the washing of regeneration and ^(k)renewal of the Holy Spirit,

whom he ^(l)poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

so that ^(m)being justified by his grace we might become ⁽ⁿ⁾heirs ^(o)according to the hope of eternal life.

The saying is ^(p)trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful ^(q)to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

But ^(r)avoid foolish ^(s)controversies, ^(t)genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for ^(u)they are unprofitable and worthless.

As for a person who stirs up division, ^(v)after warning him once and then twice, ^(w)have nothing more to do with him,

knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

When I send Artemas or ^(x)Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me ^(y)at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and ^(z)Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.

And let our people learn ^(aa)to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not ^(ab)be unfruitful.

All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. ^(ac)Grace be with you all.