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.

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.

⁷ Remember your leaders,^(A) who spoke the word of God^(B) to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate^(C) their faith.

¹⁷ The elders^(A) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,^(B) especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”^[a](C) and “The worker deserves his wages.”^[b](D)

¹⁸ For they refreshed^(A) my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.^(B)

¹⁶ to submit^(A) to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.

¹⁰ But by the grace^(A) of God I am what I am, and his grace to me^(B) was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them^(C)—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.^(D)

³ and which now at his appointed season^(A) he has brought to light^(B) through the preaching entrusted to me^(C) by the command of God^(D) our Savior,^(E)

¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(A) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(B) be patient with everyone.