He speaks of the day of doom and coming of the Lord. He exhorts them to watch, and to have regard for those who preach God’s word among them.
5 Of the times and seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write to you. 2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come even as a thief in the night. 3 When they say, Peace, and no danger – then comes on them sudden destruction, like the travailing of a woman with child, and they shall not escape.
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, such that that day should come on you as a thief. 5 You are all the children of light, and the 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 those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk, are drunk in the night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, armed with the breastplate of faith and love, and with the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by the means of our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep, we will live together with him. 11 Therefore comfort yourselves together, and strengthen one another, even as you do.
12 We beseech you, brethren, to recognize those who labour among you, and have the oversight of you in the Lord and give you exhortation – 13 to have them the more in love for their work’s sake, and be at peace with them.
14 We desire you, brethren, to warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, bear up the weak, and have continual patience toward all people. 15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and among all people.
16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray continually. 18 In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophesying. 21 Examine all things, and keep that which is good. 22 Keep from every appearance of evil. 23 May the very God of peace sanctify you thoroughly. And I pray God that your whole spirit, soul, and body may be kept faultless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he who called you, who will also do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you in the Lord to read this epistle to all the holy brethren. 28 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
The end of the first epistle to
the Thessalonians.
Sent from
Athens.