5:1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,

5:2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

5:3 While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

5:4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

5:5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

5:6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.

5:7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

5:8 But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

5:12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.

5:13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

5:15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

5:16 Be joyful always;

5:17 pray continually;

5:18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

5:19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire;

5:20 do not treat prophecies with contempt.

5:21 Test everything. Hold on to the good.

5:22 Avoid every kind of evil.

5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

5:25 Brothers, pray for us.

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

5:27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.