1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. |
2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. |
3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. |
4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. |
5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. |
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching1 3:6 Or tradition you received from us. |
7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, |
8 nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. |
9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. |
10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." |
11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. |
12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. |
13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right. |
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. |
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. |
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. |
17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. |
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. |
