1^* Remind them to be under the control of magistrates and authorities,^* to be obedient, to be open to every good enterprise.^a 2They are to slander no one, to be peaceable, considerate, exercising all graciousness toward everyone. 3For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.^b

4But when the kindness and generous love

of God our savior appeared,^c

5not because of any righteous deeds we had done

but because of his mercy,

he saved us through the bath of rebirth

and renewal by the holy Spirit,^d

6whom he richly poured out on us

through Jesus Christ our savior,^e

7so that we might be justified by his grace

and become heirs in hope of eternal life.^f