Paul closes the letter by grounding the call to good works in the kindness and love of God that has already appeared. The people of God were once foolish and enslaved; now they have been saved according to mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. Justified by grace, they are heirs. The practical response is to maintain good works and to avoid the unprofitable disputes that characterised the old order.
1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7 that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you insist confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; 9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.
12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 14 Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
Source: ebible.org
The people of God are to be subject to rulers, ready for every good work, gentle, and humble toward all. This is the public posture of those who have received mercy. It is not withdrawal from society but engaged, non-contentious presence.
The decisive turning point is the appearance of the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind. Salvation is not by works of righteousness we performed; it is according to mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has been poured out richly. Justification by grace makes us heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The entire movement is from former folly to present heirship on the basis of what God has already done.
Those who have believed God are to be careful to maintain good works. These things are profitable. At the same time they are to shun the foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law that characterised the old order. A factious person, after two warnings, is to be avoided. The community is not to be held hostage by endless controversy.
Practical arrangements for travel and support close the letter. The people are again reminded to maintain good works so that they may not be unfruitful. The final greeting is to those who love us in faith. Grace remains the last word.
The kindness of God has appeared. The Spirit has been poured out. We have been justified by grace and made heirs. The call is to maintain good works and to leave behind the unprofitable disputes of the age that is passing. We live as those already saved according to mercy.
Where are you still drawn into “foolish questionings and disputes about the law,” and how does the finished appearance of God’s kindness free you for good works instead?