Therefore we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you are enduring.

This is evidence of God's righteous judgment, so that you will be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which indeed you are suffering.

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things which we command.

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who is living in idleness and not according to the tradition which you received from us.