[1] Finally, brothers and sisters, pray that we spread the Lord's word rapidly and that it will be honored the way it was among you. [2] Also pray that we may be rescued from worthless and evil people, since not everyone shares our faith. [3] But the Lord is faithful and will strengthen you and protect you against the evil one. [4] The Lord gives us confidence that you are doing and will continue to do what we ordered you to do. [5] May the Lord direct your lives as you show God's love and Christ's endurance. [6] Brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we order you not to associate with any believer who doesn't live a disciplined life and doesn't follow the tradition you received from us. [7] You know what you must do to imitate us. We lived a disciplined life among you. [8] We didn't eat anyone's food without paying for it. Instead, we worked hard and struggled night and day in order not to be a burden to any of you. [9] It's not as though we didn't have a right to receive support. Rather, we wanted to set an example for you to follow. [10] While we were with you, we gave you the order: "Whoever doesn't want to work shouldn't be allowed to eat." [11] We hear that some of you are not living disciplined lives. You're not working, so you go around interfering in other people's lives. [12] We order and encourage such people by the Lord Jesus Christ to pay attention to their own work so they can support themselves. [13] Brothers and sisters, we can't allow ourselves to get tired of doing what is right. [14] It may be that some people will not listen to what we say in this letter. Take note of them and don't associate with them so that they will feel ashamed. [15] Yet, don't treat them like enemies, but instruct them like brothers and sisters. [16] May the Lord of peace give you his peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. [17] I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. In every letter that I send, this is proof that I wrote it. [18] The good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
