We always have to thank God for you, brothers, as it is right that we should, because your faith is growing so wonderfully and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.

To this end we always pray for you too, asking our God to find you worthy of the call he has given you, and by his power to fulfil every desire you may have for goodness, and every effort of your faith,

so that all who have refused to believe the truth but have preferred disobedience may be condemned.

We always have to thank God for you, brothers whom the Lord so loves, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved through consecration by the Spirit and through faith in the truth,

So stand firm, brothers, and hold fast to the instructions you have received from us, whether by letter or by word of mouth.

We have faith in you through the Lord that you are doing and will keep doing what we direct you to do.

If anyone refuses to obey what we have said in this letter, mark the man and do not have anything to do with him, to make him feel ashamed.