Request for Prayer
1Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and may be glorified, just as also with you,2and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for not allare of the faith.3But the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen you and will keepyou from evil.4And we are persuaded inthe Lord as to you, that both you are doing and you will do the things that we command.5And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
Warning against Irresponsibility
6Now we warn you, brothers, inthe name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you are to withdraw from every brother walking idly and not according to the tradition that you received from us.7For you yourselves know how it behoovesyou to imitate us, because we were not idle among you,8nor did we eat bread from anyone without payment, but in labor and toil, working night and day in order not to be burdensome to any of you,9not that we do not havethe right, but that we may offer ourselvesas an example to you for you to imitate us.10For even when we were with you, we were commanding you this, that “if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.”
11For we hear some among you are walking idly, not working at all, but being busybodies.12Now we command and exhort to such by our Lord Jesus Christ so that, working with quietness, they may eat their own bread.13Now you, brothers, shall not grow wearyin well-doing.
14And if anyone does not obey our instruction through the letter, take note of thisman, not to mix with him, so that he may be ashamed.15And yet do not esteemhim as an enemy, but admonishhim as a brother.
Paul's Final Greetings
(1 Corinthians 16:19-24)
16Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace through all, in every way. The Lordbe with all of you.
17The greetingis in my own hand—Paul, which ismy sign in every letter. In this manner I write.
18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christbe with all of you.a
a18BYZ and TR includeAmen.
