The First to the Thessalonians

5 Now as for the times and the seasons,*+ brothers, YOU need nothing to be written to YOU. 2 For YOU yourselves know quite well that Jehovah’s* day+ is coming exactly as a thief in the night.+ 3 Whenever it is that they+ are saying: “Peace+ and security!” then sudden destruction+ is to be instantly upon them just as the pang of distress upon a pregnant woman;+ and they will by no means escape.+ 4 But YOU, brothers, YOU are not in darkness,+ so that that day should overtake YOU as it would thieves,*+ 5 for YOU are all sons of light+ and sons of day.+ We belong neither to night nor to darkness.+

6 So, then, let us not sleep+ on as the rest do,+ but let us stay awake+ and keep our senses.*+ 7 For those who sleep+ are accustomed to sleep at night,+ and those who get drunk are usually drunk at night. 8 But as for us who belong to the day, let us keep our senses and have on the breastplate+ of faith+ and love and as a helmet+ the hope of salvation;+ 9 because God assigned us, not to wrath,+ but to the acquiring of salvation+ through our Lord Jesus Christ.*+ 10 He died for us,+ that, whether we stay awake or are asleep, we should live together with him.+ 11 Therefore keep comforting one another and building one another up,+ just as YOU are in fact doing.+

12 Now we request YOU, brothers, to have regard for those who are working hard among YOU and presiding+ over* YOU in [the] Lord and admonishing YOU; 13 and to give them more than extraordinary consideration in love because of their work.+ Be peaceable with one another.+ 14 On the other hand, we exhort YOU, brothers, admonish the disorderly,+ speak consolingly to the depressed souls,+ support the weak, be long-suffering+ toward all. 15 See that no one renders injury for injury to anyone else,+ but always pursue what is good toward one another and to all others.+

16 Always be rejoicing.+ 17 Pray incessantly.+ 18 In connection with everything give thanks.+ For this is the will of God in union with Christ Jesus respecting YOU. 19 Do not put out the fire of the spirit.+ 20 Do not treat prophesyings with contempt.+ 21 Make sure* of all things;+ hold fast to what is fine.+ 22 Abstain from every form of wickedness.+

23 May the very God of peace+ sanctify YOU completely.+ And sound in every respect may the spirit and soul and body of YOU [brothers] be preserved in a blameless manner at the presence* of our Lord Jesus Christ.+ 24 He who is calling YOU is faithful, and he will also do it.

25 Brothers, continue in prayer for us.+

26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.+

27 I am putting YOU under the solemn obligation by the Lord* for this letter to be read to all the brothers.+

28 The undeserved kindness+ of our Lord Jesus Christ be with YOU.*