5:1 But as to times and dates it is unnecessary that anything be written to you.

5:2 For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.

5:3 While they are saying "Peace and safety!" then in a moment destruction falls upon them, like birth-pains on a woman who is with child; and escape there is none.

5:4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that daylight should surprise you like a thief;

5:5 for all of you are sons of Light and sons of the day. We belong neither to the night nor to darkness.

5:6 So then let us not sleep, like the rest of the world, but let us keep awake and be sober.

5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who drink freely, drink at night.

5:8 But let us, belonging--as we do--to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

5:9 For God has not pre-destined us to meet His anger, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ;

5:10 who died on our behalf, so that whether we are awake or are sleeping we may share His Life.

5:11 Therefore encourage one another, and let each one help to strengthen his friend, as in fact you do.

5:12 Now we beg you, brethren, to show respect for those who labour among you and are your leaders in Christian work, and are your advisers;

5:13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

5:14 And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the timid, sustain the weak, and be patient towards all.

5:15 See to it that no one ever repays another with evil for evil; but always seek opportunities of doing good both to one another and to all the world.

5:16 Be always joyful.

5:17 Be unceasing in prayer.

5:18 In every circumstance of life be thankful; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus respecting you.

5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.

5:20 Do not think meanly of utterances of prophecy;

5:21 but test all such, and retain hold of the good.

5:22 Hold yourselves aloof from every form of evil.

5:23 And may God Himself who gives peace, make you entirely holy; and may your spirits, souls and bodies be preserved complete and be found blameless at the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He will also perfect His work.

5:25 Brethren, pray for us.

5:26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

5:27 I solemnly charge you in the Lord's name to have this Letter read to all the brethren.