1You have no need that I write to you about the times and dates, brothers. 2For you know perfectly that the »Day of Jehovah« will come like a thief in the night. (Zephaniah 1:14) 3When they say, »Peace and security!« then sudden destruction will come upon them, as labor pains come to a pregnant woman. They will not escape. 4You do not live in the dark. That day should not overtake you by surprise as a thief would. 5You are all the children sons of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night, not of darkness. 6Therefore, let us not sleep like others do. But let us watch and be sober. 7They that sleep do so in the night. They that get drunk are drunk in the night. 8Let us be sober and put on the breastplate of faith and love; and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God has not appointed us to experience his wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us, that, whether we are awake in this life or sleep in death, we should live together with him. 11Comfort each other and strengthen one another as you are doing. 12We ask you, brothers, to appreciate those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. 13To esteem them very highly in love because of the work they do. And be at peace among yourselves. 14We ask you brothers to warn the unruly and comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all men. 15See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. But follow that which is good, both among you, and to all men. 16Rejoice always. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophesying. 21Prove all things; hold fast to what is good. 22Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23May the very God of peace completely sanctify you make you holy. I pray to God that your entire spiritual being, your mind and body, is preserved blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he who calls you. He will also make it happen. 25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I charge you by the Lord that this letter is to be read to all the brothers. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.