Chapter III.
(Vers. 1, 2.)
(Verse 1, 2.) Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith. Furthermore, he exhorts to pray that God may deign to direct his doctrine with tireless course and pour it forth through the mouth of his Apostle into the ears of the hearers, and that he may restrain and calm the seditions of evil men who distrust the truth, and that the confidence of speaking may increase to the Apostle for his fruit and the conversion of many.
(Vers. 3.)
(Verse 3.) But God, who is faithful, will establish them and guard them from evil. For God has promised his assistance to the faithful and good people in times of need, to confirm them. However, they were eager for both faith and good works, therefore God is called faithful in his promises, because his providence was around them.
(Vers. 4.)
(Verse 4.) But we trust in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things which we command. In order that he may deserve to be entrusted with the entire defense of God, he does not doubt that those things which he commanded them in the name of the Lord will be done by them and will come to pass.
(Vers. 5.)
(Verse 5.) But may the Lord direct your hearts in the love of God and the patience of Christ. This is what he desires for them from God, which he has no doubt can be granted; that in the love of God their hearts may be strengthened to await the coming of the Lord, so that, with the world condemned, his coming may be desired, who has conquered the world.
(Vers. 6.)
(Verse 6.) But we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition that they received from us. For not all obey the message, but they follow their own will and advice. Therefore, we instruct them to separate from them, so that they may come to realize their error.
(Vers. 7, 8, 9.)
(Vers. 7, 8, 9.) For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we did not live disorderly among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread for free; but in labor and toil, working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Not because we did not have the right, but in order to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat! For it would not be reprehensible if he received bread from those who provided spiritual nourishment to their souls, which also gave immortality with glory to their bodies. Then indeed freedom can be exercised, if one does not subject oneself to the stomach or money, content with one's own bread; especially since it is more beneficial to praise, if, when it is allowed, and there is the opportunity to take, one abstains: such a person can benefit the listeners; for they will have reverence for this strictness, and they cannot disregard the things that are commanded by him.
(Vers. 10.)
(Verse 10.) For when we were with you, we commanded you that if anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat. He not only taught with words, but also encouraged and acted accordingly; for a suitable teacher is one who fulfills with actions what he teaches with words. For only then do those who are learning know that what they hear is truly so, if they do not see it being neglected by the teacher. Although the things taught are not unknown to be clearly true, if they begin to be neglected by the teacher, it will be difficult for the listeners to progress: for actions persuade more than words. Therefore, those who make progress in both work and understanding, despite negligent teachers, should be rewarded with great prizes. Thus, the purpose was for those of average or humble status in the common people to learn the extent to which they were not losing their freedom. Hence, Solomon also says: Rarely, he says, put your foot toward your friend, lest he become weary of you when he is satisfied (Prov. XXV, 17). For the one who frequently gathers at someone else's table, being devoted to idleness, must flatter the one who feeds him; whereas our religion calls people to freedom. Therefore, if anyone refuses to eat, let them abstain from work; but because no one can live without food, let them devote themselves to the work of laboring, so that living according to their own discretion, they may be able to find favor with God.
(Vers. 11.)
(Verse 11.) For we have heard that some among you walk disorderly, not working at all, but meddling in the affairs of others. And we urge such people to be quiet and to mind their own business, and to work with their own hands, so that they may walk properly and be in need of nothing. But those who desire to be idle and waste their time, they do so in order to find opportunities to enter the homes of the rich, walking in deceitfulness and carefully observing the words and actions of others, knowing what they want to hear, so that they may be gladly received and sought after. This behavior is greatly contrary to the teachings of the Lord; for their god is their appetite, and they diligently provide for their necessary but filthy desires.
(Vers. 12.)
(Verse 12) So we ask and encourage those who have this kind of life in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and earn their own food. In order to persuade them more easily, he urges them by invoking the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to obey what is beneficial for them.
(Vers. 13, 14, 15.)
(Verses 13, 14, 15.) But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take note of that person and have nothing to do with him, so that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. For this reason, he instructed each one to eat his own bread, so that no one would take advantage of the situation and show lack of kindness and compassion. Therefore, he immediately adds: But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary of doing good. For he does not come for reproach, who is compassionate and generous; but he who, although able to bear labor, wishes to spend his life in idleness. If his authority is not corrected by letters, this person should be noted, and it is commanded not to associate with him; so that he, who is avoided by everyone, may subject himself to the teachings of the Apostle. However, this is to be done without anger and insults, so that he may be patiently avoided; yet, if circumstances require speaking with him, he should be reminded to allow himself to be corrected, and not to disregard the teachings of the Apostle any further: also, familiarity with him should not be maintained as long as he remains disobedient. For if one is provoked to anger by insults, they will become worse; for they will be incited to contention and will begin to defend their mistake, then later be ashamed to correct themselves; lest they seem to first excuse and then confess.
(Vers. 16.)
(Verse 16) But God himself, the God of peace, grant you peace always in every place. The Lord be with you all. Always, with a good wish, he accompanies them, like dearest children, always desiring to remain in peace with them, which is the guide to eternal life. For the Lord has promised to be with those who are peaceable.
(Vers. 17.)
(Verse 17.) The greeting is in my own hand—Paul’s. This is my signature in every letter; this is how I write.
(Vers. 18.)
(Verse 18.) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. This greeting is written by the hand of the Apostle, wishing that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ may be with them. Amen.