1 Thessalonians 5
The Day of the Lord (5:1–3)
5:1 Now concerning the times and periods, brothers and sisters, you do not need me to write to you 2 for you yourselves well know that the Day of the Lord is coming like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying “peace and security,” then sudden destruction will overtake them like birth pains of a pregnant woman, and they will certainly not escape.
“Ye Are All Children of the Day” (5:4–11)
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that the day would catch you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light and children of the day. We are not children of the night and darkness. 6 Consequently, let us not sleep like the others. Rather, let us be alert and exercise self-control. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But we who are of the day, let us exercise self-control, “having put on the breastplate” [Isa. 59:17] of faith and love and the helmet of the hope “of salvation” [Isa. 59:17]. 9 Because God did not appoint us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we remain awake or fall asleep, we will live together with him. 11 Therefore, encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are also doing.
Final Instructions (5:12–22)
12 Now we plead with you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard with love because of their work. Live peacefully with each other. 14 We encourage you, brothers and sisters: admonish the disorderly, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays wrong for wrong, but always seek to do good to each other and to everyone. 16 Always be cheerful, 17 pray unceasingly, 18 be grateful for everything—for this is God’s will in Christ for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit, 20 do not treat prophecy with contempt, 21 examine everything, hold fast to what is morally good, 22 avoid any form of evil.
Paul’s Benediction and Wish for His Beloved Thessalonians (5:23–28)
23 May the God of peace himself make you completely holy. May your spirit and soul and body be kept completely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will do it.
25 Brothers and Sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27 I adjure you in the Lord’s name to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. 28 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
