1
Finally, our friends, pray for us that the Lord's message may continue to spread rapidly and be received with honor, just as it was among you.
2
Pray also that God will rescue us from wicked and evil people; for not everyone believes the message.
3
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and keep you safe from the Evil One.
4
And the Lord gives us confidence in you, and we are sure that you are doing and will continue to do what we tell you.
5
May the Lord lead you into a greater understanding of God's love and the endurance that is given by Christ.
6
Our friends, we command you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to keep away from all believers who are living a lazy life and who do not follow the instructions that we gave them.
7
You yourselves know very well that you should do just what we did. We were not lazy when we were with you.
8
We did not accept anyone's support without paying for it. Instead, we worked and toiled; we kept working day and night so as not to be an expense to any of you.