1 Of the times and seasons brethren ye have no need that I write unto you:
2 for ye your selves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord shall come even as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, "Peace, no danger," then cometh on them sudden destruction, as the travailing of a woman with child, and they shall not escape.
4 But ye brethren are not in darkness, that that day should come on you as it were a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, neither of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep as do others: but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep, sleep in the night: and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night.
8 But let us which are of the day be sober, armed with the breast plate of faith and love, and with hope of salvation as a helmet.
9 For God hath not appointed us unto wrath: but to obtain salvation by the means of our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 which died for us: that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore, comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as ye do.
12 We beseech you brethren, that ye know them which labour among you, and have the oversight of you in the Lord,
13 and give you exhortation, that ye have them the more in love: For their work's sake, and be at peace with them.
14 We desire you brethren warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, forbear the weak, have continual patience toward all men.
15 See that none recompense evil for evil unto any man: but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice ever.
17 Pray continually.
18 In all things give thanks. For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
19 Quench not the spirit,
20 despise not prophesying.
21 Examine all things, and keep that which is good.
22 Abstain from all suspicious things.
23 The very God of peace sanctify you throughout. And I pray God that your whole spirit, soul, and body, be kept faultless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he, which called you: which will also do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you in the Lord, that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. {The end of the First Epistle unto the Thessalonians, Sent from Athens.}