2 Thessalonians 3- 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 teaching [1] 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.
- [6] Or tradition