Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
The saying is sure: “If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.”
Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good but only ruins those who listen.
Do your best to come to me soon,
for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.
Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in the ministry.
I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.
Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will pay him back for his deeds.
Be on guard against him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.
So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.
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