- 1
- But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
- 2
- For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
- 3
- For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
- 4
- But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
- 5
- You are all sons of light and sons 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 at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.
- 8
- But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
- 9
- For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- 10
- who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
- 11
- Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
- 12
- And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
- 13
- and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
- 14
- Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.
- 15
- See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
- 16
- Rejoice always,
- 17
- pray without ceasing,
- 18
- in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
- 19
- Do not quench the Spirit.
- 20
- Do not despise prophecies.
- 21
- Test all things; hold fast what is good.
- 22
- Abstain from every form of evil.
- 23
- Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 24
- He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
- 25
- Brethren, pray for us.
- 26
- Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
- 27
- I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
- 28
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Home / The Orthodox Faith / Scripture Readings /