²² Flee^(A) from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,^(B) along with those who call on the Lord^(C) from a pure heart. ²³ But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s^(D) servant must not quarrel,^(E) but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach,^[a] and patient, ²⁵ instructing his opponents with gentleness.^(F) Perhaps God will grant them repentance^(G) leading them to the knowledge of the truth. ²⁶ Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil,^(H) who has taken them captive to do his will.^(I)

Christian Living among Outsiders

3 Remind them to submit^(A) to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, ² to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness^(B) to all people. ³ For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions^(C) and pleasures,^(D) living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,^{(E) 5} he saved us^(F)—not by works of righteousness that we had done,^(G) but according to his mercy^(H)—through the washing of regeneration^(I) and renewal by the Holy Spirit.^{(J) 6} He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly^(K) through Jesus Christ our Savior ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(L) we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.^{(M) 8} This saying is trustworthy.^(N) I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. ⁹ But avoid foolish debates,^(O) genealogies,^(P) quarrels,^(Q) and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. ¹⁰ Reject a divisive^(R) person after a first and second warning.^{(S) 11} For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.