The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and datesg we do not need to write to you,h 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lordi will come like a thief in the night.j 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”k destruction will come on them suddenly,l as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.m

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darknessn so that this day should surprise you like a thief.o 5 You are all children of the lightp and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,q but let us be awaker and sober.s 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.t 8 But since we belong to the day,u let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,v and the hope of salvationw as a helmet.x 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrathy but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.z 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.a 11 Therefore encourage one anotherb and build each other up,c just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hardd among you, who care for you in the Lorde and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.f 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idleg and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,h be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,i but always strive to do what is good for each otherj and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always,k 17 pray continually,l 18 give thanks in all circumstances;m for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.n 20 Do not treat prophecieso with contempt 21 but test them all;p hold on to what is good,q 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace,r sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, souls and body be kept blamelesst at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.u 24 The one who callsv you is faithful,w and he will do it.x

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.y 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.z 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.a

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