⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.^(A)

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes,^(B) for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷ Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes;^(C) if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

²¹ “Caesar’s,” they replied.

Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s,^(A) and to God what is God’s.”

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(A) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^{(B) 2} to slander no one,^(C) to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time^(D) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(E) and love of God our Savior^(F) appeared,^{(G) 5} he saved us,^(H) not because of righteous things we had done,^(I) but because of his mercy.^(J) He saved us through the washing^(K) of rebirth and renewal^(L) by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us^(M) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(N) we might become heirs^(O) having the hope^(P) of eternal life.^{(Q) 8} This is a trustworthy saying.^(R) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.^(S) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

⁹ But avoid^(T) foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels^(U) about the law,^(V) because these are unprofitable and useless.^{(W) 10} Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.^{(X) 11} You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Final Remarks

¹² As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus^(Y) to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.^{(Z) 13} Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos^(AA) on their way and see that they have everything they need. ¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,^(AB) in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

¹⁵ Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.^(AC)

Grace be with you all.^(AD)

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^(A)

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves^(A) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility^(B) toward one another, because,

Instructions for Christian Households^(A)

²¹ Submit to one another^(B) out of reverence for Christ.

²² Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands^(A) as you do to the Lord.^(B)

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.^(A)

⁹ And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours^(A) is in heaven, and there is no favoritism^(B) with him.