做善工的重要性

你提醒他們要服從統治者和掌權者,要順從,並要為一切美善的工作做好準備; 不要毀謗人、不要爭吵;要謙和,在一切事上對所有的人都要顯出溫柔。 其實,我們從前也是無知、悖逆、被迷惑的,做各種欲望和享樂的奴僕,活在惡毒和嫉妒中,是可憎惡的,又彼此相恨。

但是,當神我們救主的仁慈和他對人的愛顯明的時候,
他拯救了我們;
這不是本於我們所做的義行,
而是照著他的憐憫,
藉著重生的洗滌和聖靈的更新。
神藉著我們的救主耶穌基督,
將聖靈豐豐富富地傾注在我們身上,
使我們藉著他的恩典被稱為義,
可以照著永恆生命的盼望成為繼承人。

這話是信實的。我希望你強調這些事,好讓那些信了神的人專心投入美好的工作;這些事對人是好事,是有益處的。 至於愚拙的辯論、家譜、紛爭和律法上的爭執,你都要避免;因為這些都是無用的,是虛妄的。 10 對那製造分裂的人,在第一次、第二次的警戒以後,就要棄絕他, 11 因為你知道,這樣的人已經背道,一直犯罪,定了自己的罪。

結尾的教導

12 我派阿特馬斯特其庫斯到你那裡以後,你要盡快到尼科波利斯來見我,因為我已經決定在那裡過冬。 13 你要盡快送齊納斯律師和阿波羅上路,好讓他們一無所缺。

14 我們自己的人,為了緊要的需用也應該學會投入美好的工作,免得成為不結果子的人。 15 所有與我在一起的人都問候你。請問候那些在信仰上愛我們的人。願恩典與你們大家同在![a]

Footnotes

  1. 提多書 3:15 有古抄本附「阿們。」

Saved in Order to Do Good

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

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. But when the kindness(E) and love of God our Savior(F) appeared,(G) 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, whom he poured out on us(M) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace,(N) we might become heirs(O) having the hope(P) of eternal life.(Q) 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.

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)

Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.

14 And let our's also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.

15 All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.