FIRST THESSALONIANS

 

First Thessalonians 5

 

1 ¶ Now when it comes to the times and the seasons, brethren, you do not need me to write to you.

2 For you know perfectly well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

3 For when they are saying, Peace and safety; destruction will come upon them suddenly, as travail comes upon a woman with child; and they will not escape.

4 But you are not in darkness, brethren, that that day should catch you unprepared as a thief.

5 You 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 those who are sleeping sleep in the night; and those who are drunken are drunken in the night.

8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

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

10 Who died for us, so that, whether we are watching or sleeping, we will live together with him.

11 ¶ Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up, even as you are doing.

12 And we ask you, brethren, to notice those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and instruct you;

13 And because of their work hold them in the highest regard in love. And be at peace which each other.

14 Now we urge you, brethren, to warn those who are idle or unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

15 See that no one returns evil for evil; but always do that which is good, to one another, and to all people.

16 ¶ Always rejoice.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In everything giving thanks: for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.

20 Do not despise prophesyings.

21 However prove everything; and hold fast to what is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 ¶ And may He the God of peace sanctify you entirely; and your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 He who calls you is faithful, and will bring it to pass.

25 Brethren, keep praying for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27 I order you in the Lord’s name to have this letter read to all the holy brethren.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

The first epistle to the Thessalonians was sent from Athens.