| Chapter 5 |
1 |
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write to 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 children of light, and 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 are drunken, are drunken in the night. --
|
8 |
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breast-plate of faith and love; and for a 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 who labor 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 disorderly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient towards all men. --
|
15 |
See that none render evil for evil to 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 may be preserved blameless to 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 a holy kiss. --
|
27 |
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. --
|
28 |
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. --
|