Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

¹³ But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you for salvation, through sanctifying by the Spirit and through believing the truth, ¹⁴ to which he called you by our gospel, to obtain the glory that comes of our Lord Jesus Christ. ¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast. And keep the ordinances that you have been taught, whether it was by our preaching or by epistle.

¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ comfort your hearts and establish you in all doctrine and good-doing.

He asks them to pray for him, that the gospel may prosper. He warns them to reprove the idle, and if they will not labour with their hands, they should not eat.

3 Furthermore, brethren, pray for us, that the word of God may have free passage and be glorified, as it is with you, ² and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men. For all do not have faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and keep you from evil. ⁴ We have confidence through the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do that which we instruct you. ⁵ And may the Lord guide your hearts to the love of God and patience of Christ.