Top of Page
Page Style
brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you, 2 and 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 you and guard you from the Evil One. 4 We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who irresponsibly lives in idleness and not according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were among you; 8 we did not eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we laboured and toiled night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 This was not because we do not have the right to such help, but to make ourselves an example for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, he should not eat.”
11 We hear that some of you are living in idleness, not working at all, but are mere busybodies. 12 Such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and earn the food they eat. 13 But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
14 And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person, and do not associate with him, so that he will 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 with my own hand. This is a sign in every letter; this is the way I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.