New Revised Standard NRS
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
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Make clear to them that they are to put themselves under rulers and authorities, to do what they are ordered, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone.
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To say no evil of any man, not to be fighters, to give way to others, to be gentle in behaviour to all men.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another.
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For in the past we were foolish, hard in heart, turned from the true way, servants of evil desires and pleasures, living in bad feeling and envy, hated and hating one another.
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
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But when the mercy of God our Saviour, and his love to man was seen,
5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
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Not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but in the measure of his mercy, he gave us salvation, through the washing of the new birth and the giving of new life in the Holy Spirit,
6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
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Which he gave us freely through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
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So that, having been given righteousness through grace, we might have a part in the heritage, the hope of eternal life.
8 The saying is sure. I desire that you insist on these things, so that those who have come to believe in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone.
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This is a true saying; and it is my desire that you may give certain witness about these things, so that those who have had faith in God may give attention to good works. These things are good and of profit to men;
9 But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
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But have nothing to do with foolish questionings, and lists of generations, and fights and arguments about the law; for they are of no profit and foolish.
10 After a first and second admonition, have nothing more to do with anyone who causes divisions,
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A man whose opinions are not those of the church, after a first and second protest, is to be kept out of your society;
11 since you know that such a person is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.
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Clearly he is in error and a sinner, being self-judged.
12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
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When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis: for it is my purpose to be there for the winter.
13 Make every effort to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, and see that they lack nothing.
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Send Zenas, the man of law, and Apollos on their journey with all care, so that they may be in need of nothing.
14 And let people learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet urgent needs, so that they may not be unproductive.
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And let our people go on with good works for necessary purposes, so that they may not be without fruit.
15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.
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All who are with me send you their love. Give our love to our friends in the faith. Grace be with you all.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, 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.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.