Chapter 5

  But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that ye should be written to,  

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  for ye know perfectly well yourselves, that the day of [the] Lord so comes as a thief by night.  

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  When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon her that is with child; and they shall in no wise escape.  

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  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief:  

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  for all ye are sons of light and sons of day; we are not of night nor of darkness.  

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  So then do not let us sleep as the rest do, but let us watch and be sober;  

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  for they that sleep sleep by night, and they that drink drink by night;  

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  but we being of [the] day, let us be sober, putting on [the] breastplate of faith and love, and as helmet [the] hope of salvation;  

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  because God has not set us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,  

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  who has died for us, that whether we may be watching or sleep, we may live together with him.  

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  Wherefore encourage one another, and build up each one the other, even as also ye do.  

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  But we beg you, brethren, to know those who labour among you, and take the lead among you in [the] Lord, and admonish you,  

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  and to regard them exceedingly in love on account of their work. Be in peace among yourselves.  

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  But we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, sustain the weak, be patient towards all.  

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  See that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;  

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  rejoice always;  

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  pray unceasingly;  

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  in everything give thanks, for this is [the] will of God in Christ Jesus towards you;  

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  quench not the Spirit;  

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  do not lightly esteem prophecies;  

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  but prove all things, hold fast the right;  

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  hold aloof from every form of wickedness.  

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  Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly: and your whole spirit, and soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  

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  He [is] faithful who calls you, who will also perform [it].  

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  Brethren, pray for us.  

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  Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.  

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  I adjure you by the Lord that the letter be read to all the [holy] brethren.  

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  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you.  

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