Request for Prayer

1Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the word of the Lord will [a]spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it was also with you; 2and that we will be rescued from troublesome and evil people; for not all have the faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, [b]and He will strengthen and protect you [c]from the evil one. 4We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing, and will do, what we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the perseverance of Christ.

6Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you [d]keep away from every brother or sister who [e]leads a [f]disorderly life and not one in accordance with the tradition which [g]you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to [h]follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined way among you, 8nor did we eat [i]anyone’s bread [j]without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a role model for you, so that you would [k]follow our example. 10For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12Now we command and exhort such persons in the Lord Jesus Christ to work [l]peacefully and eat their own bread. 13But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good.

14If anyone does not obey our [m]instruction [n]in this letter, take special note of that person so as not to associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15And yet do not regard that person as an enemy, but [o]admonish that one as a brother or sister.

16Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every [p]circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

17[q]I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.