2 Thessalonians 3

1  FURTHERMORE, BRETHREN, do pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed on (spread rapidly and run its course) and be glorified (extolled) and triumph, even as [it has done] with you,2  And that we may be delivered from perverse (improper, unrighteous) and wicked (actively malicious) men, for not everybody has faith and is held by it.3  Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one].4  And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things which we suggest and with which we charge you.5  May the Lord direct your hearts into [realizing and showing] the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and in waiting for His return.6  Now we charge you, brethren, in the name and on the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) that you withdraw and keep away from every brother (fellow believer) who is slack in the performance of duty and is disorderly, living as a shirker and not walking in accord with the traditions and instructions that you have received from us.7  For you yourselves know how it is necessary to imitate our example, for we were not disorderly or shirking of duty when we were with you [we were not idle].8  Nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and struggle we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden or impose on any of you [for our support].9  [It was] not because we do not have a right [to such support], but [we wished] to make ourselves an example for you to follow.10  For while we were yet with you, we gave you this rule and charge: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.11  Indeed, we hear that some among you are disorderly [that they are passing their lives in idleness, neglectful of duty], being busy with other people’s affairs instead of their own and doing no work.12  Now we charge and exhort such persons [as ministers in Him exhorting those] in the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) that they work in quietness and earn their own food and other necessities.13  And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right [but continue in well-doing without weakening].14  But if anyone [in the church] refuses to obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.15  Do not regard him as an enemy, but simply admonish and warn him as [being still] a brother.16  Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all.17  I, Paul, write you this final greeting with my own hand. This is the mark and sign [that it is not a forgery] in every letter of mine. It is the way I write [my handwriting and signature].18  The grace (spiritual blessing and favor) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you all. Amen (so be it).

2 Thessalonians 3

Request for Prayer

1 Finally, pray for us, brothers and sisters,t that the Lord’s messagets may spread quickly and be honoredt as in fact it was among you,2 and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil people. For not all have faith.3 But the Lord is faithful, and het will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.4 And we are confident about you in the Lord that you are both doing – and will do – what we are commanding.

5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of Godt and the endurance of Christ.t

Response to the Undisciplined

6 But we command you, brothers and sisters,t in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who lives an undisciplinedt lifet and not according to the tradition theys received from us.7 For you know yourselves how you must imitate us, because we did not behave without disciplinet among you,8 and we did not eat anyone’s food without paying.t Instead, in toil and drudgery we workedt night and day in order not to burden any of you.9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate.t10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this command: “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat.”11 For we hear that some among you are living an undisciplined life,t not doing their own work but meddling in the work of others.t12 Now such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and so provide their own food to eat.t13 But you, brothers and sisters,t do not grow weary in doing what is right.14 But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed.

15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.t

Conclusion

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which is how I write in every letter.ts

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.s