| 1 | But as to times and dates it is unnecessary that anything be written to you. |
| 2 | For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. |
| 3 | While they are saying 'Peace and safety!' then in a moment destruction falls upon them, like birth-pains on a woman who is with child; and escape there is none. |
| 4 | But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that daylight should surprise you like a thief; |
| 5 | for all of you are sons of Light and sons of the day. We belong neither to the night nor to darkness. |
| 6 | So then let us not sleep, like the rest of the world, but let us keep awake and be sober. |
| 7 | For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who drink freely, drink at night. |
| 8 | But let us, belonging--as we do--to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. |
| 9 | For God has not pre-destined us to meet His anger, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ; |
| 10 | who died on our behalf, so that whether we are awake or are sleeping we may share His Life. |
| 11 | Therefore encourage one another, and let each one help to strengthen his friend, as in fact you do. |
| 12 | Now we beg you, brethren, to show respect for those who labour among you and are your leaders in Christian work, and are your advisers; |
| 13 | and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. |
| 14 | And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the timid, sustain the weak, and be patient towards all. |
| 15 | See to it that no one ever repays another with evil for evil; but always seek opportunities of doing good both to one another and to all the world. |
| 16 | Be always joyful. |
| 17 | Be unceasing in prayer. |
| 18 | In every circumstance of life be thankful; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus respecting you. |
| 19 | Do not quench the Spirit. |
| 20 | Do not think meanly of utterances of prophecy; |
| 21 | but test all such, and retain hold of the good. |
| 22 | Hold yourselves aloof from every form of evil. |
| 23 | And may God Himself who gives peace, make you entirely holy; and may your spirits, souls and bodies be preserved complete and be found blameless at the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
| 24 | Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also perfect His work. |
| 25 | Brethren, pray for us. |
| 26 | Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. |
| 27 | I solemnly charge you in the Lord's name to have this Letter read to all the brethren. |
| 28 | May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. |