² He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.^(A)

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,^(A) because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.^{(B) 37} Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest^(C) is plentiful but the workers are few.^{(D) 38} Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

³⁵ Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.^{(A) 36} Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests^(B) a crop for eternal life,^(C) so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. ³⁷ Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’^(D) is true. ³⁸ I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

⁶ I planted the seed,^(A) Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. ⁷ So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. ⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.^{(B) 9} For we are co-workers in God’s service;^(C) you are God’s field,^(D) God’s building.^(E)

Request for Prayer

3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(A) pray for us^(B) that the message of the Lord^(C) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.^(D)

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.

³⁴ It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants^(A) in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship,^(A) do the work of an evangelist,^(B) discharge all the duties of your ministry.

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^(A) both yourself and your hearers.