Exhortation to Prayer and Steadfastness

1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as also with you.
2. And pray that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil people, for not all have faith.
3. But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.
4. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both are doing and will continue to do the things we command.
5. And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of the Messiah.

Warning Against Idleness

6. Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother walking in a disorderly manner and not according to the tradition which they received from us.
7. For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate us, because we were not disorderly among you,
8. nor did we eat bread from anyone without payment, but in labour and hardship, working night and day so that we might not burden any of you;
9. not because we do not have authority, but in order that we might give ourselves as a pattern to you, so that you would imitate us.
10. For even when we were with you, we would command you this: that if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.
11. For we hear that some among you are walking disorderly, doing no work at all, but being busybodies.
12. Now such people we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ that, working quietly, they eat their own bread.

Final Instructions

13. But you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.
14. And if anyone does not obey our word through this letter, take note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
15. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Closing Blessing

16. Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace continually in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17. The greeting is by my own hand, Paul’s, which is a sign in every letter; this is how I write.
18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.