Common English Bible CEB
Revised Standard Version RSV
1 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities. They should be obedient and ready to do every good thing.
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Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any honest work,
2 They shouldn't speak disrespectfully about anyone, but they should be peaceful, kind, and show complete courtesy toward everyone.
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to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men.
3 We were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, and slaves to our desires and various pleasures too. We were spending our lives in evil behavior and jealousy. We were disgusting, and we hated other people.
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For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another;
4 But "when God our savior's kindness and love appeared,
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but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
5 he saved us because of his mercy, not because of righteous things we had done. He did it through the washing of new birth and the renewing by the Holy Spirit,
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he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit,
6 which God poured out upon us generously through Jesus Christ our savior.
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which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 So, since we have been made righteous by his grace, we can inherit the hope for eternal life."
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so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.
8 This saying is reliable. And I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God might give careful attention to doing good. These things are good and useful for everyone.
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The saying is sure. I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men.
9 Avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, and fights about the Law, because they are useless and worthless.
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But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile.
10 After a first and second warning, have nothing more to do with a person who causes conflict,
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As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him,
11 because you know that someone like this is twisted and sinful—so they condemn themselves.
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knowing that such a person is perverted and sinful; he is self-condemned.
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, try to come to me in Nicopolis, because I've decided to spend the winter there.
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When I send Artemas or Tych'icus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicop'olis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
13 Help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with enthusiasm so that they won't need anything.
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Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apol'los on their way; see that they lack nothing.
14 But our people should also learn to devote themselves to doing good in order to meet pressing needs so they aren't unproductive.
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And let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful.
15 Everyone with me greets you; greet those who love us faithfully. Grace be with all of you.
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All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.