2 Thessalonians 3

Those Who Are Lazy

1-3 One more thing, friends: Pray for us. Pray that the Master's Word will simply take off and race through the country to a ground-swell of response, just as it did among you. And pray that we'll be rescued from these scoundrels who are trying to do us in. I'm finding that not all "believers" are believers. But the Master never lets us down. He'll stick by you and protect you from evil.

4-5 Because of the Master, we have great confidence in you. We know you're doing everything we told you and will continue doing it. May the Master take you by the hand and lead you along the path of God's love and Christ's endurance.

6-9 Our orders—backed up by the Master, Jesus—are to refuse to have anything to do with those among you who are lazy and refuse to work the way we taught you. Don't permit them to freeload on the rest. We showed you how to pull your weight when we were with you, so get on with it. We didn't sit around on our hands expecting others to take care of us. In fact, we worked our fingers to the bone, up half the night moonlighting so you wouldn't be burdened with taking care of us. And it wasn't because we didn't have a right to your support; we did. We simply wanted to provide an example of diligence, hoping it would prove contagious.

10-13 Don't you remember the rule we had when we lived with you? "If you don't work, you don't eat." And now we're getting reports that a bunch of lazy good-for-nothings are taking advantage of you. This must not be tolerated. We command them to get to work immediately—no excuses, no arguments—and earn their own keep. Friends, don't slack off in doing your duty.

14-15 If anyone refuses to obey our clear command written in this letter, don't let him get by with it. Point out such a person and refuse to subsidize his freeloading. Maybe then he'll think twice. But don't treat him as an enemy. Sit him down and talk about the problem as someone who cares.

16 May the Master of Peace himself give you the gift of getting along with each other at all times, in all ways. May the Master be truly among you!

17 I, Paul, bid you good-bye in my own handwriting. I do this in all my letters, so examine my signature as proof that the letter is genuine.

18 The incredible grace of our Master, Jesus Christ, be with all of you!

2 Thessalonians 3

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also it is with you;2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith.3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from the evil one.4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command.5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.7 For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;8 neither did we eat bread for nought at any man’s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you:9 not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat.11 For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies.12 Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.14 And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.15 And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.17 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.