Old Testament

1 Thessalonians 5
Instruction Concerning the Signs of the End Times
51Concerning the times and dates, brothers, there is no need to write to you, 2for you yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3When people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will suddenly come on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will certainly not escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in the dark so that this day could take you by surprise like a thief, 5for you are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness. 6So then let us not sleep like everyone else, but rather let us remain alert and sober.
7To be sure, those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9You see, God did not appoint us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are also doing.
Final Exhortations and Greetings
12Brothers, we ask you to take note of those who work hard among you, who exercise leadership over you in the Lord, and who admonish you. 13Hold them in the highest regard in love, on account of their work. Live at peace with each other.
14We also encourage you, brothers, to admonish those who are idle. Encourage those who are discouraged, help those who are weak, and be patient with everyone. 15See to it that no one repays evil with evil, but instead, always strive to do good to each other and to everyone else.
16Rejoice always. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 19Do not extinguish the Spirit. 20Do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21But[] test everything. Hold on to the good. 22Keep away from every kind[] of evil.
23May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27I put you under oath to the Lord to read this letter to all the holy[] brothers.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Footnotes

  • 5:21 A few witnesses to the text omit But.
  • 5:22 Or appearance
  • 5:27 A few witnesses to the text omit holy.