The Day of the Lord
(2 Peter 3:8–13)

1But, brethren, you have no need that I write to you of the times and seasons; 2for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night: 3for when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as the pains of birth upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5You are all sons of light, and sons of day: we are not of night, nor of darkness. 6Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep in the night; and those who are drunken, are drunken in the night. 8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, having on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of salvation: 9for God has not appointed us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we might live together with him. 11Wherefore, exhort one another, and edify one another, as you also do.

Christian Living

12Now we beseech you, brethren, to have regard for those who labor among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and admonish you, 13and that you esteem them very highly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14We exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, earnestly care for the weak-minded, be of a long-suffering disposition toward all. 15See that no one render evil for evil to any, but always pursue that which is good toward one another and toward all. 16Rejoice always; 17pray without ceasing; 18in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Despise not prophesyings. 21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22Abstain from every appearance of evil.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23Now the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calls you; and he will do what he has promised.

25Brethren, pray for us.

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

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