1 B ut concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.

2 F or you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.

3 F or when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape.

4 B ut you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief.

5 Y ou are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness,

6 s o then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober.

7 F or those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night.

8 B ut let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

9 F or God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 w ho died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11 T herefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

12 B ut we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you,

13 a nd to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

14 W e exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

15 S ee that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.

16 R ejoice always.

17 P ray without ceasing.

18 I n everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

19 D on’t quench the Spirit.

20 D on’t despise prophesies.

21 T est all things, and hold firmly that which is good.

22 A bstain from every form of evil.

23 M ay the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 H e who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.

25 B rothers, pray for us.

26 G reet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27 I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.

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