1 Thessalonians 5

1 But of the times and moments, brethren, you need not, that we should write to you;2 For yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord shall so come, as a thief in the night.3 For when they shall say, peace and security; then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape.4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.5 For all you are the children of light, and children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.6 Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do; but let us watch, and be sober.7 For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that are drunk, are drunk in the night.8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, having on the breastplate of faith and charity, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.9 For God hath not appointed us unto wrath, but unto the purchasing of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,10 Who died for us; that, whether we watch or sleep, we may live together with him.11 For which cause comfort one another; and edify one another, as you also do.12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you:13 That you esteem them more abundantly in charity, for their work's sake. Have peace with them.14 And we beseech you, brethren, rebuke the unquiet, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient towards all men.15 See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good towards each other, and towards all men.16 Always rejoice.17 Pray without ceasing.18 In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all.19 Extinguish not the spirit.20 Despise not prophecies.21 But prove all things; hold fast that which is good.22 From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves.23 And may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things; that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.24 He is faithful who hath called you, who also will do it.25 Brethren, pray for us.26 Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.27 I charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5

The Day of the Lord

1 Now on the topic of times and seasons,t brothers and sisters,t you have no need for anything to be written to you.2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lords will come in the same way as a thief in the night.s3 Now whens they are saying, “There is peace and security,”t then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor painst on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape.4 But you, brothers and sisters,t are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.5 For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.6 So then we must not sleep as the rest, but must stay alert and sober.7 For those who sleep, sleep at night and those who get drunk are drunk at night.8 But since we are of the day, we must stay sober by putting on the breastplates of faith and love and as a helmet our hope for salvation.t9 For God did not destine us for wraths but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10 He diedt for us so that whether we are alert or asleeps we will come to life together with him.

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

Final Instructions

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters,t to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,13 and to esteem them most highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters,t admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all.15 See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.16 Always rejoice,17 constantly pray,18 in everything give thanks. For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.19 Do not extinguish the Spirit.20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt.21 But examine all things; hold fast to what is good.

22 Stay away from every form of evil.

Conclusion

23 Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.24 He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this.t25 Brothers and sisters,t pray for us too.26 Greet all the brothers and sisterst with a holy kiss.27 I call on you solemnly in the Lordt to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.st

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