The Day of the Lord

1Now concerning the times and seasons, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written to you.

2For you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

3When people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will certainly not escape.

4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should catch you like ¹⁹a thief.

5²⁰You are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of the darkness.

6So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us be watchful and sober.

7For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

8But since ²¹we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

9For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

10who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with him.

11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, even as you are doing.

Final Instructions and Benediction

12Now we ask you, brothers, to recognize those who labor among you, who lead you in the Lord and admonish you,

13and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace with one another.

14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish those who are idle, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, and be patient toward all.

15Make sure no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always strive to do good to each other and to everyone else.

16Rejoice always,

17pray without ceasing,

18and in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

19Do not quench the Spirit.

20Do not despise ²²prophecies,

21but test everything; hold fast to what is good.

22Avoid every form of evil.

23Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

25Brothers, pray for ²³us.

26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27I charge you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the ²⁴holy brothers.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. ²⁵Amen. ²⁶