1 But concerning the times and season, brothers, you have no need that I should write to you;
2 for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
3 When they say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes, like pain upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the day should come upon you like a thief;
5 for you are all children of light, and children of day; we are not of night nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep as others, but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night, and they that are drunk drink in the night;
8 but let us who are of day be sober, putting on a cuirass of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation,
9 for God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we may live together with him.
11 Wherefore exhort one another, and edify one another, as you also do.
12 And we beseech you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,
13 and to esteem them very highly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 And we exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, comfort the dispirited, assist the sick, be of long suffering towards all men.
15 See that no one renders evil for evil, but always pursue the good both one to another and to all.
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing,
18 give thanks on every occasion; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to us.
19 Quench not the Spirit,
20 despise not prophecies.
21 Prove all things, hold fast the good;
22 abstain from every form of evil.
23 And may the God of peace himself purify you wholly, and your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calls you, who will also perform.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Salute all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.