1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may
spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you; 2 and that we may
be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But
the Lord is faithful, who will establish you, and guard you from the evil
one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both
do and will do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts
into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and
not after the tradition which they received from us. 7 For you know
how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously
among you, 8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying
for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not
burden any of you; 9 not because we don’t have the right, but to make
ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 10 For even
when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone will not work,
neither let him eat.” 11 For we hear of some who walk among you in
rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are
that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness
they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing well. 14 If any man
doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no
company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 15 Don’t count him as
an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all
ways. The Lord be with you all.
17 The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every
letter: this is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you all. Amen.
World English Bible - Public Domain |
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