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.
3:32 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.
3:83 [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.
3:104 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.
3:125 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.
