Chapter 3

Request for Prayers. ¹ Finally, brethren, pray for us, so that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, as it was with you. ² Pray too that we may be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not all have faith.

³ However, the Lord is faithful. He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. ⁴ And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do all that we direct you to do. ⁵ May the Lord guide your hearts to the love of God and the steadfastness of Christ.

Christian Value of Work.^{[a] 6} In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, brethren, we command you to keep your distance from any of the brethren who are living an idle existence and who disregard the tradition you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you should follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you. ⁸ We did not ever accept food from anyone, but with toil and drudgery we worked night and day so that we would not burden any of you. ⁹ We did so, not because we have no right to accept such help, but to present ourselves as a model for you to imitate.

¹⁰ In fact, even when we were with you, we charged that anyone who was unwilling to work should not eat. ¹¹ Now we have been told that some among you are living a life of idleness, not working but acting as busybodies. ¹² We command and urge such people in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and earn their own living.

¹³ Brethren, never grow weary of doing what is right. ¹⁴ If anyone refuses to obey our instructions in this letter, take note of him and have nothing to do with him so that he may be put to shame. ¹⁵ However, do not treat him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Conclusion^[b]

¹⁶ Final Prayer. May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

¹⁷ Final Blessing. I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. It is the distinguishing mark of every letter of mine. ¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.