⁴ And ^(A)we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.

¹⁰ for that indeed is what ^(A)you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to ^(B)do this more and more,

⁶ And I am sure of this, that he who began ^(A)a good work in you ^(B)will bring it to completion at ^(C)the day of Jesus Christ.

^21 (A)Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.

Lights in the World

¹² Therefore, my beloved, ^(A)as you have always ^(B)obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,

³ And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, ^(A)for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.

¹² Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.^[a]

Warning Against Idleness

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, ^(A)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ^(B)that you keep away from any ^(C)brother ^(D)who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.

A Life Pleasing to God

4 Finally, then, brothers,^[a] we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you ^(A)received from us ^(B)how you ought to walk and ^(C)to please God, just as you are doing, that you ^(D)do so more and more. ² For ^(E)you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

²⁰ teaching them ^(A)to observe all that ^(B)I have commanded you. And behold, ^(C)I am with you always, to ^(D)the end of the age.”