1But concerning the times and the seasons , brethren , ye have no need that aught be written unto you . 2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night . 3When they are saying , Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them , as travail upon a woman with child ; and they shall in no wise escape . 4But ye , brethren , are not in darkness , that that day should overtake you as a thief : 5for ye are all sons of light , and sons of the day : we are not of the night , nor of darkness ;
Exhortations to Watchfulness and Sobriety
6so then let us not sleep , as do the rest , but let us watch and be sober . 7For they that sleep sleep in the night ; and they that are drunken are drunken in the night . 8But let us , since we are of the day , be sober , putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet , the hope of salvation . 9For God appointed us not unto wrath , but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ , 10who died for us , that , whether we wake or sleep , we should live together with him .
Encouragement and Edification
11Wherefore exhort one another , and build each other up , even as also ye do . 12But we beseech you , brethren , to know them that labor among you , and are over you in the Lord , and admonish you ; 13and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work ’s sake . Be at peace among yourselves . 14And we exhort you , brethren , admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted , support the weak, be longsuffering toward all . 15See that none render unto any one evil for evil ; but always follow after that which is good , one toward another , and toward all .
Final Instructions and Benediction
16Rejoice always ; 17pray without ceasing; 18in everything give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. 19Quench not the Spirit ; 20despise not prophesyings ; 21prove all things ; hold fast that which is good ; 22abstain from every form of evil . 23And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly ; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire , without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ . 24Faithful is he that calleth you , who will also do it . 25Brethren, pray for us . 26Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss . 27I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren . 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you .