[1]But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
[2]For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
[3]For when they say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall by no means escape.
[4]But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
[5]You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.
[6]Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
[7]For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
[8]But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
[9]For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
[10]who died for us, that whether we watch or sleep, we should live together with Him.
[11]Therefore encourage each other and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
[12]And we urge you, brethren, to recognize 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]Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be longsuffering towards all.
[15]See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
[16]Rejoice always,
[17]pray without ceasing,
[18]in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
[19]Do not quench the Spirit.
[20]Do not despise prophecies.
[21]But test all things; hold fast what is good.
[22]Abstain from every form of evil.
[23]Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and 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 also will do it.
[25]Brethren, pray for us.
[26]Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
[27]I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
[28]The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
|