1Now as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3While people are saying, »Peace and safety,« then destruction will come upon them suddenly as labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. 6So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us be alert and sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But, since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God has not destined us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. 11Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 12But we ask you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14And we urge you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not quench the Spirit; 20do not despise prophecies. 21But test everything; hold fast to what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil. 23Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 25Brethren, pray for us. 26Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27I charge you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.