5:1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of our writing anything to you. |
5:2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. |
5:3 While they say, " Peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. |
5:4 But you, brethren, do not dwell in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; |
5:5 for you all represent the sons of light and sons of day We do not belong to the night nor of darkness; |
5:6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us become alert and sober. |
5:7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. |
5:8 But since we represent the day, let us show sobriety, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. |
5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, |
5:10 who died for us, so that whether we live or die, we will live together with Him. |
5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also have done. |
5:12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, |
5:13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. |
5:14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, show patience with everyone. |
5:15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which works good for one another and for all people. |
5:16 Rejoice always; |
5:17 pray without ceasing; |
5:18 in everything give thanks; for this represents God's will for you in Christ Jesus. |
5:19 Do not quench the Spirit; |
5:20 do not despise prophetic utterances. |
5:21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which proves good; |
5:22 abstain from every form of evil. |
5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
5:24 We acknowledge as faithful He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. |
5:25 Brethren, pray for us. |
5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. |
5:27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren. |
5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ go with you. |