1 But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need of my writing to you:
2 for ye yourselves know full well, that the day of the Lord cometh like a thief in the night.
3 And when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, my brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should seize you as a thief:
5 ye are all children of the light, and of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep like others, but let us watch and be sober:
7 for they, that sleep, sleep in the night; and drunkards are drunk in the night:
8 but let us, who are of the day, be sober; putting on the breast-plate of faith and love, and for an helmet the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, that whether we be awake, or asleep, we may live together with Him.
11 Wherefore comfort one another, and edify each other, as indeed ye do.
12 And we entreat you, brethren, to respect those that labour among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and instruct you;
13 and to esteem them very highly in love, on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 And admonish the disorderly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be of a patient spirit towards all.
15 See that no one render evil for evil to any man; but always pursue that which is good, both to each other and to all men.
16 Be always joyful.
17 Pray continually.
18 In every circumstance be thankful; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Slight not prophesyings:
21 yet try all things, and hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly: and grant that your whole frame, spirit, soul, and body may be kept blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Salute all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I adjure you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.