[1] But about the times and their order, my brothers, there is no need for
me to say anything to you. [2] For you yourselves have the knowledge that
the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. [3] When they say,
There is peace and no danger, then sudden destruction will come on them, as
birth-pains on a woman with child; and they will not be able to get away
from it. [4] But you, my brothers, are not in the dark, for that day to
overtake you like a thief: [5] For you are all sons of light and of the
day: we are not of the night or of the dark. [6] So then, let us not take
our rest as the others do, but let us be self-controlled and awake. [7] For
those who are sleeping do so in the night; and those who are the worse for
drink are so in the night; [8] But let us, who are of the day, be serious,
putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and on our heads, the hope of
salvation. [9] For God's purpose for us is not wrath, but salvation through
our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] Who was put to death for us, so that, awake or
sleeping, we may have a part in his life. [11] So then, go on comforting
and building up one another, as you have been doing. [12] But we make this
request to you, my brothers: give attention to those who are working among
you, who are over you in the Lord to keep order among you; [13] And have a
high opinion of them in love because of their work. Be at peace among
yourselves. [14] And our desire is that you will keep control over those
whose lives are not well ordered, giving comfort to the feeble-hearted,
supporting those with little strength, and putting up with much from all.
[15] Let no one give evil for evil; but ever go after what is good, for one
another and for all. [16] Have joy at all times. [17] Keep on with your
prayers. [18] In everything give praise: for this is the purpose of God in
Christ Jesus for you. [19] Do not put out the light of the Spirit; [20] Do
not make little of the words of the prophets; [21] Let all things be
tested; keep to what is good; [22] Keep from every form of evil. [23] And
may the God of peace himself make you holy in every way; and may your
spirit and soul and body be free from all sin at the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ. [24] God, by whom you have been marked out in his purpose, is
unchanging and will make it complete. [25] Brothers, keep us in mind in
your prayers. [26] Give all the brothers a holy kiss. [27] I give orders in
the name of the Lord that all the brothers are to be present at the reading
of this letter. [28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.