BUT
of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For
yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the
night.
3 For when
they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as
travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye,
brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye 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 do others; but let us watch and be
sober.
7 For they
that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be
drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let
us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love;
and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God
hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus
Christ,
10 Who
died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore
comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12 And we
beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to
esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace
among yourselves.
14 Now we
exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded,
support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See
that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which
is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice
evermore.
17 Pray
without ceasing.
18 In
every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning
you.
19 Quench
not the Spirit.
20 Despise
not prophesyings.
21 Prove
all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain
from all appearance of evil.
23 And
the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole
spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful
is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren,
pray for us.
26 Greet
all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I
charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto
all the holy brethren.
28 The
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
