¶ Warn them that they submit themselves to rule and power, to obey the officers, that they be prompt unto all good works, that they speak evil of no man, that they be no fighters, but soft, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were in times past, unwise, disobedient, deceived, in danger to lusts, and to divers manners of voluptuousness, living in maliciousness and envy, full of hate, hating one another.
¶ But after that the kindness and love of our saviour to manward appeared, not of the deeds of righteousness which we wrought, but of his mercy, he saved us, by the fountain of the new birth, and with the renewing of the holy ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, thorow Iesus Christ our saviour, that we once justified by his grace, should be heirs of eternal life, thorow hope. This is a true saying.
¶ Of these things I would thou shouldest certify, that they which believe God, might be studious to go forward in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Foolish questions, and genealogies, and brawlings and strife about the law avoid, for they are unprofitable, and superfluous. A man that is the aucthor of sects, after the first and the second admonition avoid, remembering that he that is such, is perverted, and sinneth, even damned by his own judgement.
¶ When I shall send Artemas unto thee or Tichicus be diligent to come to me unto Nichopolis. For I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be lacking unto them. And let ours also learn to excel in good works as far forth as need requireth, that they be not unfruitful. All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all, Amen.
Written from Nichopolis a citie of Macedonia.
© Faith of God
William Tyndale 1526