[1] Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.
[2] For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
[3] While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
[4] But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.
[5] For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.
[6] So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.
[7] For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night.
[8] But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
[9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
[10] who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.
[11] Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
[12] We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
[13] and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
[14] And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
[15] See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.
[16] Rejoice always,
[17] pray without ceasing,
[18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
[19] Do not quench the Spirit.
[20] Do not despise prophecies,
[21] but test everything; hold fast what is good.
[22] Abstain from every form of evil.
[23] Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[24] He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
[25] Brothers, pray for us.
[26] Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
[27] I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
[28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.