Chapter 5

  But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  

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  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  

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  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.  

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

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  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  

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  Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.  

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  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  

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  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.  

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  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  

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  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.  

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  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.  

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  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;  

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  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.  

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  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].  

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  See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].  

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  Rejoice evermore.  

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  Pray without ceasing.  

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  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  

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  Quench not the Spirit.  

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  Despise not prophesyings.  

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  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.  

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  Abstain from all appearance of evil.  

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  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.  

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  Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it].  

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  Brethren, pray for us.  

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  Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.  

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  I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.  

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  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen. [The first [epistle] to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.]  

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