5:1 Now then, concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, there is no need that I write to you; |
5:2 For you yourselves understand perfectly that the day of the Lord will come exactly as a thief comes by night. |
5:3 For when they say, "Peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as travail comes upon a woman who is with child; and they shall by no means escape. |
5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness that the day of the Lord should overtake you as a thief. |
5:5 For you are all children of the light and children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of the darkness. |
5:6 So then, we should not sleep, as others do; but we should watch, and we should be sober. |
5:7 For those who are sleeping sleep in the night, and those who are drunken get drunk in the night. |
5:8 But we who are of the day should be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation, |
5:9 Because God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, |
5:10 Who died for us, so that whether we remain alive until He comes or we fall asleep before that day, together we may live forever with Him. |
5:11 Therefore, encourage one another, and edify one another, even as you are already doing. |
5:12 Now we beseech you, brethren, to acknowledge those who are laboring among you, and are overseeing you, and are instructing you in the Lord, |
5:13 And to greatly respect them in love for the sake of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. |
5:14 Now we encourage you, brethren, to admonish those who are irresponsible, console the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward everyone. |
5:15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone; but always be pursuing what is good, both toward one another and toward all men. |
5:16 Rejoice always! |
5:17 Pray unceasingly. |
5:18 Give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. |
5:19 Quench not the Spirit. |
5:20 Despise not prophecies. |
5:21 Prove all things. Hold fast to that which is good. |
5:22 Abstain from every form of wickedness. |
5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your entire spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
5:24 Faithful is He Who calls you, Who will also perform it. |
5:25 Brethren, pray for us. |
5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. |
5:27 I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. |
5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. |