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 . Then 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 children of light and children 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 ’s watch and be sober .
7 For those who sleep , sleep in the night ; and those who are drunk are drunk in the night .
8 But since we belong to the day , let ’s 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 labour amongst you , and are over you in the Lord and admonish you ,
13 and to respect and honour them in love for their work ’s sake . Be at peace amongst yourselves .
14 We exhort you , brothers: Admonish the disorderly; encourage the faint-hearted; support the weak; be patient towards all .
15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone , but always follow after that which is good for one another and for all .
16 Always rejoice .
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In everything give thanks , for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you .
19 Don’ t quench the Spirit .
20 Don’t despise prophecies .
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 He who calls you is faithful , who will also do it .
25 Brothers, pray for us .
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss .
27 I solemnly command 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.