2 Thessalonians 3

Exhortation

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you;2 and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,8 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you;9 not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.15  Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write.18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

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