1.
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
Verse 1
Of the times and the seasons, relating to the final coming of Christ.
2.
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
Verse 2
As a thief in the night; suddenly and unexpectedly.
3.
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.
4.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5.
Ye 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 do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7.
For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8.
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.
9.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10.
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
12.
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
Verse 12
To know them; to acknowledge and remember them.
13.
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15.
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16.
Rejoice evermore.
Verse 16
Rejoice evermore; be contented and happy in spirit, confiding always in God.
17.
Pray without ceasing.
18.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19.
Quench not the Spirit.
Verse 19
Quench not the Spirit; do not repulse its influences by indifference and neglect.
20.
Despise not prophesyings.
Verse 20
Prophesyings; preaching. The meaning is, Do not neglect and disregard the instructions which you receive.
21.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23.
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.
24.
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Verse 24
Will do it; will faithfully fulfil what he has undertaken to perform.
25.
Brethren, pray for us.
26.
Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27.
I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.