[1] But as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have
anything written to you. [2] For you yourselves know well that the day of
the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] When people say, "There
is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as
travail comes upon a woman with child, and there will be no escape. [4] But
you are not in darkness, brethren, for that day to surprise you like a
thief. [5] For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of
the night or of darkness. [6] So then let us not sleep, as others do, but
let us keep awake and be sober. [7] For those who sleep sleep at night, and
those who get drunk are drunk at night. [8] But, since we belong to the
day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for
a helmet the hope of salvation. [9] For God has not destined us for wrath,
but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us
so that whether we wake or sleep we might live with him. [11] Therefore
encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. [12]
But we beseech you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are
over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13] and to esteem them very highly
in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. [14] And we
exhort you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help
the weak, be patient with them all. [15] See that none of you repays evil
for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. [16]
Rejoice always, [17] pray constantly, [18] give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. [19] Do
not quench the Spirit, [20] do not despise prophesying, [21] but test
everything; hold fast what is good, [22] abstain from every form of evil.
[23] May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit
and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ. [24] He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. [25]
Brethren, pray for us. [26] Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. [27] I
adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brethren. [28]
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
