Final Instructions

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard^(A) among you, who care for you in the Lord^(B) and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.^(C)

¹¹ Command and teach these things.^{(A) 12} Don’t let anyone look down on you^(B) because you are young, but set an example^(C) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^(D) and in purity. ¹³ Until I come,^(E) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,^(F) to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy^(G) when the body of elders^(H) laid their hands on you.^(I)

¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save^(J) both yourself and your hearers.

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders^(A) and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you^(B) as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

¹⁸ Pray for us.^(C) We are sure that we have a clear conscience^(D) and desire to live honorably in every way. ¹⁹ I particularly urge you to pray so that I may be restored to you soon.^(E)