1 | But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. |
2 | For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. |
3 | For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. |
4 | But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. |
5 | Ye 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; but let us watch and be sober. |
7 | For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. |
8 | But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. |
9 | For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, |
10 | Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. |
11 | Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. |
12 | And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; |
13 | And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves. |
14 | Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]. |
15 | See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. |
16 | Rejoice evermore. |
17 | Pray without ceasing. |
18 | In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. |
19 | Quench not the Spirit. |
20 | Despise not prophesyings. |
21 | Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. |
22 | Abstain from all appearance of evil. |
23 | And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
24 | Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it]. |
25 | Brethren, pray for us. |
26 | Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. |
27 | I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. |
28 | The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen. <<[The first [epistle] to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.]>> |