1 Thessalonians 5
The Day of the Lord
(Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)
¹ Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you.
² For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
³ While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
⁴ But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.
⁵ For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
⁶ So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
⁹ For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.
¹¹ Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Christian Living
¹² But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
¹³ In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
¹⁴ And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
¹⁵ Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
¹⁶ Rejoice at all times.
¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.
¹⁸ Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
¹⁹ Do not extinguish the Spirit.
²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
²¹ but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
²² Abstain from every form of evil.
Final Blessings and Instructions
²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless 1 at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
²⁴ The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
²⁵ Brothers, pray for us as well.
²⁶ Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
²⁷ I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.2