¹⁰ Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

⁸ This is a trustworthy saying.^(A) 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.^(B) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

²¹ equip you with everything good for doing his will,^(A) and may he work in us^(B) what is pleasing to him,^(C) through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(D)

¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,^(A) in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Saved in Order to Do Good

3 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities,^(A) to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,^(B)

¹⁴ who gave himself for us^(A) to redeem us from all wickedness^(B) and to purify^(C) for himself a people that are his very own,^(D) eager to do what is good.^(E)

¹⁶ They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.^(A) They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.^(B)

²¹ Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.^(A)

¹⁰ and is well known for her good deeds,^(A) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,^(B) washing the feet^(C) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble^(D) and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(B) desires a noble task.