1Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. 3For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, 5not 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, 6whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; 7that being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8This 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; 9but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning, 11knowing that such a one is perverted and sinful, being self-condemned.
12When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 14Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful.
15All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen.
Grace (Gk. χάρις, charis). Strong's 5485.
Not surprisingly, this word is common in the NT (155 times). This word can refer to attractiveness, goodwill, a gift, favor, gratitude. It is a profoundly important theological word in the NT. In its theological sense, “grace” is the favor shown by God to the undeserving. No human being deserves anything good from God (Rom 3:23; 6:23; 2 Cor 8:9; Gal 2:21), yet every human being does receive good from God, even if it is short of salvation (Matt 5:45; 1 John 2:2). This passage makes it clear that salvation is utterly dependent on grace, that is, on unmerited favor. There is grace from God that brings eternal salvation, and this grace is the necessary instrument and cause to bring it about. Grace is such an important term because people need it so much, and because it is integral to God’s nature. Since grace is an attribute of God, winsome behavior and giving to the undeserving is rooted in the divine ground of reality.