1 Thessalonians 5

 

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

³ While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

⁵ You are all children of the light 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, but let us be awake and sober.

⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

⁹ For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.

¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

¹⁶ Rejoice always,

¹⁷ pray continually,

¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit.

²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt

²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good,

²² reject every kind of evil.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁴ The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

²⁵ Brothers and sisters, pray for us.

²⁶ Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.

²⁷ I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

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