1 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters,*5:1 Greek brothers; also in 5:4, 12, 14, 25, 26, 27. we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.*5:4 Some manuscripts read comes upon you as if you were thieves.5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.