1 Thessalonians 5

Now as to the ^[a]times and dates, ^[b]brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you.

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night.

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

While they are saying, “Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]” then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord].

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.

But you, ^[c]believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God’s Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief;

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness.

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise].

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

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

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation.

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.

For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life].

Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

Christian Conduct

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction,

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another.

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper].

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Rejoice always and delight in your faith;

Rejoice evermore.

be unceasing and persistent in prayer;

Pray without ceasing.

in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit.

Quench not the Spirit.

Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations—words of instruction or exhortation or warning].

Despise not prophesyings.

But test ^[d]all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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.

Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Brothers and sisters, pray for us.

Brethren, pray for us.

Greet all the believers with a holy ^[e]kiss [as brothers and sisters in God’s family].

Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

I solemnly charge you by the Lord to have this letter read before all the ^[f]congregation.

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.