1 You have no need that I write to you about the times and dates, brothers.

2 For you know perfectly that the »Day of Jehovah« will come like a thief in the night. (Zephaniah 1:14)

3 When they say, »Peace and security!« then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come to a pregnant woman. They will not escape.

4 You do not live in the dark. That day should not overtake you by surprise as a thief would.

5 You are all the children sons of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night, not of darkness.

6 Therefore, let us not sleep like others do. But let us watch and be sober.

7 They that sleep do so in the night. They that get drunk are drunk in the night.

8 Let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love; and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

9 For God has not appointed us to experience his wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.

10 He died for us, that, whether we are awake in this life or sleep in death, we should live together with him.

11 Comfort each other and strengthen one another as you are doing.

12 We ask you, brothers, to appreciate those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you.

13 To esteem them very highly in love because of the work they do. And be at peace among yourselves.

14 We ask you brothers to warn the unruly and comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all men.

15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. But follow that which is good, both among you, and to all men.

16 Rejoice always.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.

20 Do not despise prophesying.

21 Prove all things; hold fast to what is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 May the very God of peace completely sanctify you make you holy. I pray to God that your entire spiritual being, your mind and body, is preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he who calls you. He will also make it happen.

25 Brothers, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter is to be read to all the brothers.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.