1 N ow as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.

2 F or you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.

3 W hile they are saying, “ Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

4 B ut you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;

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

6 s o then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

7 F or those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.

8 B ut 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.

9 F or God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 w ho died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.

11 T herefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. Christian Conduct

12 B ut we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,

13 a nd that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.

14 W e urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

15 S ee that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

16 R ejoice always;

17 p ray without ceasing;

18 i n everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 D o not quench the Spirit;

20 d o not despise prophetic utterances.

21 B ut examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;

22 a bstain from every form of evil.

23 N ow 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.

24 F aithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

25 B rethren, pray for us.

26 G reet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.

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