1Now then, concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, there is no need that I write to you; 2For you yourselves understand perfectly that the day of the Lord will come exactly as a thief comes by night. 3For when they say, "Peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, as travail comes upon a woman who is with child; and they shall by no means escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness that the day of the Lord should overtake you as a thief. 5For you are all children of the light and children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of the darkness. 6So then, we should not sleep, as others do; but we should watch, and we should be sober. 7For those who are sleeping sleep in the night, and those who are drunken get drunk in the night. 8But we who are of the day should be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation, 9Because God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10Who died for us, so that whether we remain alive until He comes or we fall asleep before that day, together we may live forever with Him. 11Therefore, encourage one another, and edify one another, even as you are already doing.

12Now we beseech you, brethren, to acknowledge those who are laboring among you, and are overseeing you, and are instructing you in the Lord, 13And to greatly respect them in love for the sake of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14Now we encourage you, brethren, to admonish those who are irresponsible, console the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward everyone. 15See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone; but always be pursuing what is good, both toward one another and toward all men. 16Rejoice always! 17Pray unceasingly. 18Give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Despise not prophecies. 21Prove all things. Hold fast to that which is good. 22Abstain from every form of wickedness.

23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your entire spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is He Who calls you, Who will also perform it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.