Study Desk

About the times and the seasons:^(a) Brothers, you do not need anything to be written to you.

For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord^(b) will come just like a thief^(c) in the night.

When they say, "Peace and security," then sudden destruction^(d) comes on them, like labor pains come on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

But you, brothers, are not in the dark, for this day to overtake you like a thief.^(e)

For you are all sons of light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness.^(f)

So then, we must not sleep, like the rest, but we must stay awake and be serious.

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

But since we belong to the day, we must be serious^(g) and put the armor^(h) of faith and love on our chests, and put on a helmet⁽ⁱ⁾ of the hope of salvation.

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord^(j) Jesus Christ,^(k)

who died for us,^(l) so that whether we are awake or asleep,^(m) we will live together with Him.⁽ⁿ⁾

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition^(o) to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you,

and to regard them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace^(p) among yourselves.

And we exhort you, brothers:^(q) warn those who are irresponsible,^[a] comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient^(r) with everyone.

See to it that no one repays evil for evil^(s) to anyone,^(t) but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.^(u)

Rejoice^(v) always!

Pray constantly.

Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will^(w) for you in Christ Jesus.

Don't stifle the Spirit.

Don't despise prophecies,

but test all things.^(x) Hold on to what is good.

Stay away^(y) from every kind of evil.

Now may the God of peace^(z) Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit,^(aa) soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming^(ab) of our Lord^(ac) Jesus Christ.^(ad)

He who calls^(ae) you^(af) is faithful, who also will do it.

Brothers, pray for us also.

Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers.^(ag)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.