2 Thessalonians 3

Pray for Us

3Finally, brothers, pray for us that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, ^z2and that we may be delivered ^afrom wicked and evil men, for not all have faith. ^b3But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. ^c4We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do what we command. ⁵May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance. ^d

Warning against Irresponsible Behavior

⁶Now we command you, brothers, in the name ^eof our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother ^fwho walks irresponsibly and not according to the tradition ^greceived ^hfrom us. ⁷For you yourselves know how you must imitate ⁱus: We were not irresponsible among you; ⁸we did not eat ^janyone’s food ^kfree of charge; ^linstead, we labored ^mand struggled, ⁿworking ^onight and day, so that we would not be a burden ^pto any of you. ⁹It is not that we don’t have the right ^qto support, but we did it to make ourselves an example to you so that you would imitate ^rus. ¹⁰In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” ^s11For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work of others. ^t12Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ that quietly working, they may eat their own food. ^u13Brothers, do not grow weary ^vin doing good.

¹⁴And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. ¹⁵Yet don’t treat him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Final Greetings

¹⁶May the Lord of peace ^wHimself give you peace always in every way. ^xThe Lord be with all of you. ^y17This greeting is in my own hand ^z—Paul. This is a sign in every letter; this is how I write. ¹⁸The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.