1 | But of the times and moments, brethren, you need not, that we should write to you; |
2 | For yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord shall so come, as a thief in the night. |
3 | For when they shall say, peace and security; then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape. |
4 | But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. |
5 | For all you are the children of light, and children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. |
6 | Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do; but let us watch, and be sober. |
7 | For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that are drunk, are drunk in the night. |
8 | But let us, who are of the day, be sober, having on the breastplate of faith and charity, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. |
9 | For God hath not appointed us unto wrath, but unto the purchasing of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, |
10 | Who died for us; that, whether we watch or sleep, we may live together with him. |
11 | For which cause comfort one another; and edify one another, as you also do. |
12 | And we beseech you, brethren, to know them who labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you: |
13 | That you esteem them more abundantly in charity, for their work's sake. Have peace with them. |
14 | And we beseech you, brethren, rebuke the unquiet, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient towards all men. |
15 | See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good towards each other, and towards all men. |
16 | Always rejoice. |
17 | Pray without ceasing. |
18 | In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all. |
19 | Extinguish not the spirit. |
20 | Despise not prophecies. |
21 | But prove all things; hold fast that which is good. |
22 | From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves. |
23 | And may the God of peace himself sanctify you in all things; that your whole spirit, and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. |
24 | He is faithful who hath called you, who also will do it. |
25 | Brethren, pray for us. |
26 | Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. |
27 | I charge you by the Lord, that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. |
28 | The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. |