1 Finally, brethren, pray for us (Paul is the only N.T. writer who asks the prayers of those whom he writes), in order that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified (= triumph gloriously), even as it is with you also: (I.e. the teaching in Corinth.)
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. (Non-believers. Man is fickle.)
3 But the Lord is faithful, Who shall establish you, and guard you from the wicked one. (Cp. 1 John 5:18)
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that you both do and will do the things (i.e. vv.6-14. Cp. 1 Thess. 3:11) which we charge you. (Follow God's Commandments.)
5 And the Lord direct your hearts (minds) into the love of God, and into the patience (through tribulation) of Christ.
C f1 6. Charge to the orderly.
g1 7-9. The example of Paul and the brethren.
f2 10. Charge to the non-workers.
g2 11. Instance of such.
f3 12,13. Charge to the disorderly.
g3 14,15. The disobedient to be admonished.
6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly (Gr. ataktos. Irregular, un-arranged, loafing, religious bums. You don't fellowship with crud. Don't be an enabler, use tough love), and not after the instructions which he received of us.
7 For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us (Set a good example): for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; (They were not loafing.)
8 Neither did we eat bread from any one for nothing; but working with labor and travail night and day, with a view to our not being chargeable to any of you: (No expense. They didn't take their money.)
9 Not because we have not power (the right), but in order that we may make ourselves an example to you to follow us. (Imitate to the letter.)
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any is not willing to work, neither should he eat. (Has nothing to do with handicapped.)
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working [in] nothing, but are busybodies (Gr. periergazomai, to be busy about useless matters. Teaching lies and nonsense. Nit-pickers.).
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness (see Acts 22:2) they work, and eat their own bread. (Make them earn their own.)
13 But you, brethren, faint not in well doing. (Tough love is what is right sometimes.)
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle (the Word of God), note this one, and have not company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet reckon him not as an enemy, but admonish (warn) him as a brother. (By planting a seed.)
16 Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace through everything in every way. The Lord be with you all. (He is faithful.)
17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is the sign in every epistle: so I write. (Very large letters, leftover consequence from when he was struck down on the road to Damascus.)
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.