1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Master comes like a thief in the night. 3 For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. 4 But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. 5 You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, 6 so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s stay alert and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night; and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. 8 But let’s, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Master Joshua Christ, 10 who died for us, that, whether we stay awake or sleep, we should live together with him. 11 Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do. 12 But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Master, and admonish you, 13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake.
Be at peace among yourselves. 14 We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. 15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.
16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Joshua toward you. 19 Don’t quench the spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies. 21 Test all things. Hold on to the good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the arrival of our Master Joshua Christ.
24 He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I solemnly command you by the Master that this letter be read to all the holy brothers.
28 The grace of our Master Joshua Christ be with you. Amen.