| Chapter 5 |
1 |
But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. |
2 |
For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. |
3 |
For when they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. |
4 |
But you, brothers, aren`t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. |
5 |
You are all sons of light, and sons of the day. We don`t belong to the night, nor to darkness, |
6 |
so then let`s not sleep, as the rest do, but let us watch and be sober. |
7 |
For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunken are drunken in the night. |
8 |
But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. |
9 |
For God didn`t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, |
10 |
who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. |
11 |
Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. |
12 |
But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, |
13 |
and to respect and honor them in love for their work`s sake. Be at peace among yourselves. |
14 |
We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. |
15 |
See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, towards one another, and towards all. |
16 |
Rejoice always. |
17 |
Pray without ceasing. |
18 |
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. |
19 |
Don`t quench the Spirit. |
20 |
Don`t despise prophesies. |
21 |
Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. |
22 |
Abstain from every form of evil. |
23 |
May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
24 |
Faithful is he who calls you, who will also do it. |
25 |
Brothers, pray for us. |
26 |
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. |
27 |
I solemnly charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers. |
28 |
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. |