3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you.
3:2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.
3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
3:4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command.
3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
3:6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching [Or tradition] you received from us.
3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,
3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
3:9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.
3:10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If a man will not work, he shall not eat.
3:11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy they are busybodies.
3:12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.
3:13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
3:14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.
3:15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
3:17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.
3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 535 1 TIMOTHY