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1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
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2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
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3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
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4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
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5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
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6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
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7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
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8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
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9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
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10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
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11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
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12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
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13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
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14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
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15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
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16 Rejoice evermore.
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17 Pray without ceasing.
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18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
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19 Quench not the Spirit.
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20 Despise not prophesyings.
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21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
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22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
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23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
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25 Brethren, pray for us.
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26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
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27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
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28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
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- 1 Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.
- 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.
- 3 While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
- 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;
- 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness;
- 6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
- 7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.
- 8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
- 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- 10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
- 11 Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
- 12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
- 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
- 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
- 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
- 16 Rejoice always;
- 17 pray without ceasing;
- 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
- 19 Do not quench the Spirit;
- 20 do not despise prophetic utterances.
- 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;
- 22 abstain from every form of evil.
- 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
- 25 Brethren, pray for us*.
- 26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
- 27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.
- 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
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