1 B ut concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to,

2 f or ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of Lord so comes as a thief by night.

3 W hen they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape.

4 B ut ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief:

5 f or all ye are sons of light and sons of day; we are not of night nor of darkness.

6 S o then do not let us sleep as the rest do, but let us watch and be sober;

7 f or they that sleep sleep by night, and they that drink drink by night;

8 b ut we being of day, let us be sober, putting on breastplate of faith and love, and as helmet hope of salvation;

9 b ecause God has not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 w ho has died for us, that whether we may be watching or sleep, we may live together with him.

11 W herefore encourage one another, and build up each one the other, even as also ye do.

12 B ut we beg you, brethren, to know those who labour among you, and take the lead among you in Lord, and admonish you,

13 a nd to regard them exceedingly in love on account of their work. Be in peace among yourselves.

14 B ut we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, sustain the weak, be patient towards all.

15 S ee that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;

16 r ejoice always;

17 p ray unceasingly;

18 i n everything give thanks, for this is will of God in Christ Jesus towards you;

19 q uench not the Spirit;

20 d o not lightly esteem prophecies;

21 b ut prove all things, hold fast the right;

22 h old aloof from every form of wickedness.

23 N ow the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 H e faithful who calls you, who will also perform.

25 B rethren, pray for us.

26 G reet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

27 I adjure you by the Lord that the letter be read to all the brethren.

28 T he grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with you.