[1] Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.
[2] For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.
[3] While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
[4] But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;
[5] for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;
[6] so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
[7] For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.
[8] But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
[9] For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
[10] who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
[11] Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
[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,
[13] and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
[14] We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
[15] See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
[16] Rejoice always;
[17] pray without ceasing;
[18] in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
[19] Do not quench the Spirit;
[20] do not despise prophetic utterances.
[21] But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
[22] abstain from every form of evil.
[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.
[24] Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
[25] Brethren, pray for us.
[26] Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
[27] I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.
[28] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.