| 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 not 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 wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. |
| 11 | Therefore comfort each other and edify 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 for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. |
| 14 | Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with 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 | 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. |
