1Now, my sacred family members, I have some final things to write to you. Would you send up prayers for us asking that the message of our Honored Chief will run like the wind and be given honor in the same way it has among you?
2Pray that we will be rescued from bad-hearted and evil men—for not all follow our spiritual ways.[#3:2 Lit. the faith]
3But our Honored Chief is trustworthy. He will set your feet on solid ground and protect you from the evil one.
4The trust we have in our Honored Chief makes us feel sure that you will keep following all the instructions we gave you.
5So we pray that he will guide your hearts into the path of Creator’s love and help you walk in the steady steps of the Chosen One.
6So, my sacred family members, as we represent our Honored Chief, Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One, we instruct you to keep away from any sacred family member who walks in a bad way and fails to follow the traditions we gave you.
7For you all know that you should walk in our footsteps. We walked in a good way when we were with you.
8We did not expect people to feed us for free. Instead, we wore ourselves out working hard night and day so we would not be a burden to anyone.
9We had the right not to work, but we wanted to set a good example for you to follow.
10Do you remember when we were still with you, we gave you the instruction, “The ones who will not work should not be fed”?
11We say this because we hear that there are some among you who are walking in a bad way. They do nothing but put their noses into the business of others.
12So, representing our Honored Chief, Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One, we speak firmly to those who walk in this way, “Settle down, go to work , and quietly earn your own food.”
13But to the rest of you, my sacred family members, do not let your hearts fall to the ground as you keep walking in a good way.
14Take note of any among you who do not follow these instructions. Have nothing to do with them, so they will feel the shame of their ways.
15Do not see them as enemies, but give them this firm and wise counsel as members of the sacred family.
16Now may our Honored Chief of peace give his peace to you at all times and in every way. May our Honored Chief be with you all.
17I, Small Man (Paul) , write this final greeting with my own hand. Take note of how I sign my letters. This way you will know the letter is from me.
18May the gift of great kindness that comes from our Honored Chief, Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One, be with you all.