5 1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that the day of our Lord Jesus will come like a thief in the night. a a v2 The "day of the Lord" the apostle Paul speaks of is the return of Jesus — the Lord whose coming the whole letter anticipates. 3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," sudden destruction will come upon them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, that the day should surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children 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 stay awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For our Father has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we might live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Living as Children of Light
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who work hard among you and lead you in the Lord and correct you, 13 and to hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn the idle, encourage the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always pursue what is good for one another and for everyone.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in everything; for this is the will of our Father in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt, 21 but test everything; hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.
23 Now may our Father of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.