(Tap footnote to read it. Old Testament quotations are underlined. "Love" with a caret ("^love") is agapé.1"agapé" The Greek words ἀγάπη (agapé, noun), and ἀγαπάω (agapaó; verb) are typically translated "love". However, unlike our English word "love" – which primarily speaks of affection and feelings – agapé centers on choice and behavior. It’s the "love" based on will, choice, behavior, and action; not feelings. (Feelings-based love is the Greek word φιλέω (phileó), which properly means "brotherly love/affection".) Thus, you could hate someone passionately and still treat him with "agapé". Agapé "love" is best understood as the pursuit of what is most beneficial to someone or something, regardless of the cost to yourself or the type of response received from the person or thing. It can also indicate a preference for someone or something over other things. )
Christian Conduct
- Remind them to be submitted to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
- to slander no one, to be peaceable, equitable, demonstrating all gentle strength1“gentle strength” this Greek word is often translated “meek” or “gentle”. However, it doesn’t mean the absence of power as “meek” would suggest. Instead, it specifically refers to strength or power that is gently exercised without undue harshness. i.e. some who is strong but applies their strength gently. towards all men.
- For we were also once foolish, disobedient, wandering astray, being slaves to various cravings and sensual pleasures; passing life in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
- But when the benevolence and the love of mankind appeared in God our savior –
- not by works of righteousness that we did, but according to His mercy – He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
- whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus the Anointed our savior,
- so that having been made righteous by that grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of the life of ages.2“life of ages” is literal, and captures the duration as well as the quality of the life, which the traditional interpretation of “eternal life” doesn’t. The word translated “ages” (αἰώνιον) is the adjective form of the Greek word “αἰών” (aion), which is used – for example – in Matthew 24:3 “what are the signs of your coming and the end of the age?”
- The saying is trustworthy. And concerning these things, I’m resolved that you are to emphatically affirm them so the men who have believed in God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are noble and profitable for men.
- But shun foolish controversies, and genealogies, and strife, and quarrels about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
- Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
- *knowing that such a man has been corrupted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
Personal instruction
- When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make haste to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.
- Diligently equip Zenas the lawyer and Apollos for the journey so they might lack nothing.
- And let our own men also learn to devote themselves to good works for the essential needs so they might not be unfruitful.
- All the men with me greet you. Greet the men loving us in the faith. Grace be with all of you. [Amen]
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