The Day of the Lord

1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord [†]will come just like a thief in the night. 3While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then [†]destruction [†]will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman who is pregnant, and they will never escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you [†]like a thief, 5for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; 6so then let us not sleep as [†]others do, but let us be awake and [†]sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we are of the day, let us be [†]sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9For God has not appointed us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11Therefore, [†]comfort one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Admonishment and Instruction

12But we ask of you, brothers, that you know those who labor among you, and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, 13and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14And we urge you, brothers, admonish the [†]unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16Rejoice always; 17pray without ceasing; 18in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not quench the Spirit; 20do not despise prophecies, 21but examine all things; hold fast to that which is good; 22abstain from every [†]form of evil.

23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is He who calls you, who also will do it.

25Brothers, pray for us[†].

26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I implore you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.