5
1 But
concerning the
times and the
seasons, brothers, you
have no need
that anything be
written to you.
2 For
you yourselves
know well that
the day of
the Lord comes
like a thief
in the night.
3 For
when they are
saying, “Peace
and safety,” then sudden
destruction will
come on them,
like birth pains
on a pregnant
woman. Then they
will in no
way escape.
4 But
you, brothers, aren’t
in darkness, that
the day should
overtake you like
a thief.
5 You
are all children
of light and
children of the
day. We don’t
belong to the
night, nor to
darkness,
6 so
then let’s not
sleep, as the
rest do, but
let’s watch and
be sober.
7 For
those who sleep,
sleep in the
night; and those
who are drunk
are drunk in
the night.
8 But
since we belong
to the day,
let’s be sober,
putting on the
breastplate of
faith and love,
and for a
helmet, the hope
of salvation.
9 For
God didn’t appoint
us to wrath,
but to the
obtaining of
salvation through
our Lord Jesus
Christ,
10 who
died for us,
that, whether we
wake or sleep,
we should live
together with him.
11 Therefore
exhort one another,
and build each
other up, even
as you also
do.
12 But
we beg you,
brothers, to know
those who labor
among you, and
are over you
in the Lord
and admonish you,
13 and
to respect and honor
them in love for
their work’s sake.
Be at peace
among yourselves.
14 We
exhort you, brothers:
Admonish the disorderly;
encourage the faint-hearted; support
the weak; be
patient toward all.
15 See
that no one returns
evil for evil
to anyone, but
always follow
after that which
is good for
one another and
for all.
16 Always
rejoice.
17 Pray
without ceasing.
18 In
everything give
thanks, for this
is the will
of God in
Christ Jesus
toward you.
19 Don’t
quench the Spirit.
20 Don’t
despise prophecies.
21 Test
all things, and
hold firmly that
which is good.
22 Abstain
from every form
of evil.
23 May
the God of
peace himself sanctify you
completely. May
your whole spirit,
soul, and body
be preserved blameless
at the coming
of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
24 He
who calls you
is faithful, who
will also do
it.
25 Brothers,
pray for us.
26 Greet all
the brothers with
a holy kiss.
27 I solemnly
command you by the
Lord that this
letter be read to
all the holy brothers.
28 The
grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ
be with you. Amen.