1. |
But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you. |
2. |
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. |
3. |
When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise escape. |
4. |
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief: |
5. |
for ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness; |
6. |
so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober. |
7. |
For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. |
8. |
But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. |
9. |
For God appointed us not into wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, |
10. |
who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. |
11. |
Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do. |
12. |
But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; |
13. |
and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. |
14. |
And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. |
15. |
See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. |
16. |
Rejoice always; |
17. |
pray without ceasing; |
18. |
in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. |
19. |
Quench not the Spirit; |
20. |
despise not prophesyings; |
21. |
prove all things; hold fast that which is good; |
22. |
abstain from every form of evil. |
23. |
And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
24. |
Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it. |
25. |
Brethren, pray for us. |
26. |
Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. |
27. |
I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren. |
28. |
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. |