encourage your hearts and strengthen you ¹  in every good thing you do or say. ² 

Therefore, brothers and sisters, ¹  stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. ² 

Finally, pray for us, brothers and sisters, ¹  that the Lord’s message ²  may spread quickly and be honored ³  as in fact it was among you,

not to be easily ¹  shaken from your composure or disturbed by any kind of spirit or message or letter allegedly from us, ²  to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here.

But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed.

Surely you recall ¹  that I used to tell you these things while I was still with you.