3:1 Oh, and pray for us, sisters and brothers, so that the Word of the Master may pick up speed and be exalted, just as it has with you,

3:2 and that we are rescued from disgusting and evil people since not everyone is of the faith.

3:3 Yet the Master is faithful to establish you and guard you from the evil one.

3:4 We have confidence in the Master concerning you, that you will continue doing what we solemnly commission you to do.

3:5 May the Master guide your hearts toward the love of God and the endurance of the Anointed.

3:6 Now we are solemnly commissioning you, sisters and brothers, in the Name of our Master Jesus the Anointed, to separate yourselves from every believer who has a habit of slacking and not staying with the tradition they accepted from us.

3:7 For you know you are to imitate us, and we were not lazy among you.

3:8 Neither did we accept handouts from anyone, but worked very hard night and day so we would not be a burden to any of you.

3:9 And it isn’t as though we don’t have the right, but that we wanted to be a model for you to follow.

3:10 Even while we were still with you, we made the rule that if anyone refuses to work then they should go hungry.

3:11 For we are hearing that some among you are not being busy, but busybodies.

3:12 So we insist, and appeal by the Master Jesus the Anointed, that they mind their own business and earn their own keep.

3:13 Don’t give up doing the right things, brothers and sisters.

3:14 If anyone does not heed this word we’ve written to you, take note of them and do not associate with them so they’ll be ashamed.

3:15 Yet don’t treat them as an enemy but warn them as a believer.

3:16 Now may the Master of Peace give you peace in everything and in every way; may the Master be with you all.

3:17 This greeting is in my (Paul’s) own hand, which is how I sign all my letters.

3:18 May the favor of our Master Jesus the Anointed be with all of you.