He speaks of the day of doom and coming of the Lord. He exhorts them to watch, and to have regard for those who preach God’s word among them.

5 Of the times and seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write to you. ² For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come even as a thief in the night. ³ When they say, Peace, and no danger – then comes on them sudden destruction, like the travailing of a woman with child, and they shall not escape.

⁴ But you, brethren, are not in darkness, such that that day should come on you as a thief. ⁵ You are all the children of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night, nor of darkness. ⁶ Therefore let us not sleep as others do, but let us watch and be sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk, are drunk in the night. ⁸ But let us who are of the day be sober, armed with the breastplate of faith and love, and with the hope of salvation as a helmet. ⁹ For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by the means of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁰ who died for us so that whether we wake or sleep, we will live together with him. ¹¹ Therefore comfort yourselves together, and strengthen one another, even as you do.

¹² We beseech you, brethren, to recognize those who labour among you, and have the oversight of you in the Lord and give you exhortation – ¹³ to have them the more in love for their work’s sake, and be at peace with them.

¹⁴ We desire you, brethren, to warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, bear up the weak, and have continual patience toward all people. ¹⁵ See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and among all people.

¹⁶ Rejoice always. ¹⁷ Pray continually. ¹⁸ In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not despise prophesying. ²¹ Examine all things, and keep that which is good. ²² Keep from every appearance of evil. ²³ May the very God of peace sanctify you thoroughly. And I pray God that your whole spirit, soul, and body may be kept faultless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Faithful is he who called you, who will also do it.

²⁵ Brethren, pray for us. ²⁶ Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

²⁷ I charge you in the Lord to read this epistle to all the holy brethren. ²⁸ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Amen.

The end of the first epistle to
the Thessalonians.
Sent from
Athens.