Add parallel Print Page Options

Pray That The Word May Spread Quickly And That We May Be Protected From Evil People

Finally, brothers, be praying for us that the word of the Lord may run[a] and be glorified, just as also with you, and that we may be delivered from out-of-place[b] and evil people. For faith[c] is not possessed by everyone. But the Lord is faithful— Who will establish you, and protect you from the evil one[d]. And we are confident in the Lord concerning you that the things which we are commanding, you also[e] are doing and will do. And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of [f] God and into the endurance of [g] Christ.

Imitate Us, And Keep Away From Those Who Don’t

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you be keeping-away[h] from every brother walking disorderly[i] and not according to the tradition which they received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought-to be imitating us. Because we were not disorderly among you, nor did we eat bread as-a-gift[j] from anyone, but were working with labor and hardship by night and by day so-as not to be a burden-on any of you— not because we do not have the right, but in order that we might give ourselves as a pattern to you, so that you may be imitating us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded this to you— that “if anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat”. 11 For we are hearing of some among you walking disorderly, not working at all, but being-busybodies[k]. 12 Now to such ones we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ that while working with quietness, they eat their own bread. 13 But you, brothers, do not grow-weary while doing-good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word through this letter, be taking-note-of [l] this one— to not be associating-with him, in order that he may be ashamed. 15 And do not be regarding him as an enemy, but be admonishing him as a brother. 16 And may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace continually[m] in every way. The Lord be with you all.

17 The greeting of Paul by my own hand, which is a sign in every letter— I write in this manner. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 That is, run speedily ahead.
  2. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 Or, improper, unnatural, wrong.
  3. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 Or, the faith.
  4. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Or, from evil.
  5. 2 Thessalonians 3:4 Or, indeed.
  6. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 That is, for God; or, from God. Same next.
  7. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 That is, for God; or, from God. Same next.
  8. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Or, standing aloof.
  9. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Or, out of order, out of ranks, undisciplined.
  10. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Or, freely, without-payment.
  11. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 Lit, working-around, a play on words. That is, puttering around, meddling.
  12. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Or, marking.
  13. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Or, through all things.

Request for Prayer

As for other matters, brothers and sisters,(A) pray for us(B) that the message of the Lord(C) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.(D) And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,(E) for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful,(F) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.(G) We have confidence(H) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts(I) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,(J) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from(K) every believer who is idle and disruptive(L) and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us.(M) For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.(N) We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked(O) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,(P) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.(Q) 10 For even when we were with you,(R) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work(S) shall not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.(T) 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ(U) to settle down and earn the food they eat.(V) 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.(W)

14 Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,(X) in order that they may feel ashamed.(Y) 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.(Z)

Final Greetings

16 Now may the Lord of peace(AA) himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.(AB)

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand,(AC) 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.(AD)

Footnotes

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Or tradition