The Day of the Lord
NOW concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you.
2 For you yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord comes just as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say: “peace and safety”; then sudden destruction comes upon them, just as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 ¶ But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 ¶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; rather let us keep watch and be sober.
7 For those that sleep, sleep during the night; and those that get drunk, get drunk during the night.
8 But let us, who 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 has not destined us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that: whether we be awake or asleep, we should be alive together at the same time, with him.
11 Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also do.
Various Exhortations
12 ¶ And we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and instruct you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love, because of their work. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 ¶ Now we beseech you, brothers, warn them that are lazy, encourage the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all.
15 See that none repay evil for evil to any man; but at all times pursue the good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 ¶ Rejoice always;
17 Pray constantly;
18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Quench not the Spirit;
20 Despise not prophesyings;
21 Test the genuineness of all things; hold fast to the good.
22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 ¶ And the very God of peace, make you completely holy; and may your entire spirit and soul and body be kept blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calls you, whom will also bring it to pass.
Farewell
25 ¶ Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I adjure you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.