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, |
3:2 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. |
3:3 Yet the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen [you] {and} set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil [one]. |
3:4 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. |
3:5 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. |
3:6 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. |
3:7 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]. |
3:8 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]. |
3:9 [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. |
3:10 For while we were yet with you, we gave you this rule {and} charge: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat. |
3:11 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. |
3:12 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. |
3:13 And as for you, brethren, do not become weary {or} lose heart in doing right [but continue in well-doing without weakening]. |
3:14 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. |
3:15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but simply admonish {and} warn him as [being still] a brother. |
3:16 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. |
3:17 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]. |
3:18 The grace (spiritual blessing and favor) of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) be with you all. {Amen (so be it).} |