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)

¹⁰ God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.^{(A) 11} We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope^(B) for may be fully realized.

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

⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord,^(A) because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.^(B)

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)

¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,^(A) who is the Savior of all people,^(B) and especially of those who believe.

³ We remember before our God and Father^(A) your work produced by faith,^(B) your labor prompted by love,^(C) and your endurance inspired by hope^(D) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹² Epaphras,^(A) who is one of you^(B) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(C) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(D) and fully assured.