3:1 Put {1} them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (1) He declares particularly and separately that which he said before generally, noting out certain main and principal duties which men owe to men, and especially subjects to their magistrates. 3:3 {2} For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another. (2) He confirms again the former exhortation by propounding the free benefit of our regeneration, the symbol of which is our baptism. (Ed.) 3:5 Not by works of {a} righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the {b} Holy Ghost; (a) Literally, of works which are done in righteousness: and this passage fully refutes the doctrine of meritorious works. (b) Which the power of the Holy Spirit works. 3:8 {3} [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 {c} good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. (3) Again with great earnestness emphasises how we ought to give ourselves to true godliness and avoid all vain questions, which serve to nothing but to cause strife and debate. (c) Give themselves earnestly to good works. 3:10 {4} A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; (4) The ministers of the word must at once cast off heretics, that is, those who stubbornly and seditiously disquiet the Church, and will pay no attention to ecclesiastical admonitions. 3:12 {5} When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. (5) Last of all, he writes a word or two regarding personal matters, and commends certain men. | |