1But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, there is no need of writing to you;

2for ye yourselves know full well, that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3When they are saying, Peace and safety; then doth sudden destruction come upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief;

5for ye all are sons of light, and sons of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6Let us not sleep, then, as others, but let us watch and be sober.

7For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that are drunken, are drunken in the night;

8but let us, as we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breast-plate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation;

9for God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

10who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should together live with him.

11Wherefore, encourage one another, and edify one another, as indeed ye are doing.

12And we beseech you, brethren, to know those who labor among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and admonish you,

13and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

14Moreover we exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be forbearing to all.

15See that none render evil for evil to any one; but ever follow that which is good, both toward one another and toward all.

16Be always joyful.

17Pray without ceasing;

18in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus in regard to you.

19Quench not the Spirit;

20despise not prophesyings,

21but prove all things; hold fast that which is good;

22abstain from every form of evil.

23And may the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved whole, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24Faithful is he who calleth you, who also will do it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.

27I adjure you by the Lord, that this letter be read to all the holy brethren.

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