1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, |
2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. |
3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. |
5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. |
6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. |
7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. |
8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. |
9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. |
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. |
12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. |
13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. |
14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. |
15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. |
16 Be joyful always; |
17 pray continually; |
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. |
19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire; |
20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. |
21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. |
22 Avoid every kind of evil. |
23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. |
25 Brothers, pray for us. |
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. |
27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. |
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. |