1Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you.[ † ]Matthew 24:3 2For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.[ † ]Luke 21:341 Thessalonians 5:42 Peter 3:10Revelation 3:3Revelation 16:15 3While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.[ † ]Isaiah 13:6-9Hosea 13:13
4But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.[ † ]Acts 26:18Romans 13:12Ephesians 5:81 John 2:8 5For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.[ † ]Ephesians 5:8 6So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.[ † ]Matthew 25:5Matthew 25:13Mark 13:351 Peter 5:8 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.[ † ]Luke 21:34Acts 2:152 Peter 2:13 8But 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.[ † ]Isaiah 59:17Ephesians 6:14
9For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.[ † ]Romans 9:222 Thessalonians 2:13 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.[ † ]2 Corinthians 5:15 11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
12But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.[ † ]1 Corinthians 16:181 Timothy 5:17Hebrews 13:7-17 13In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.[ † ]Mark 9:50
14And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.[ † ]2 Thessalonians 3:6-7, 11Hebrews 12:12Romans 14:1Romans 15:11 Corinthians 8:7Galatians 5:22
15Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.[ † ]Leviticus 19:18Romans 12:9Galatians 6:101 Thessalonians 5:21
16Rejoice at all times.[ † ]2 Corinthians 6:10 17Pray without ceasing.[ † ]Ephesians 6:18 18Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not extinguish the Spirit.[ † ]Ephesians 4:30 20Do not treat prophecies with contempt,[ † ]Acts 13:11 Corinthians 14:1-31 21but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.[ † ]1 Corinthians 14:291 John 4:1Philippians 4:8 22Abstain from every form of evil.
23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.[ † ]Philippians 4:91 Thessalonians 3:131 Corinthians 1:8-9 24The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.[ † ]1 Corinthians 10:132 Thessalonians 3:3Philippians 1:6
25Brothers, pray for us as well.
26Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.