ISV - I Thessalonians - 5

5:1  Be Ready for the Day of the LordNow you do not need to have anything written to you about times and dates, brothers,

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

5:3  When peopleLit. they say, “There is peace and security,” destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pains comeThe Gk. lacks come to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape.

5:4  However, brothers, you are not in the darkness, in order that the day might surprise you like a thief.

5:5  For all of you are children of light and children of day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.

5:6  Therefore, let us not fall asleep like others do, but let us stay awake and be sober.

5:7  For people who go to sleep, go to sleep at night; and people who get drunk, get drunk at night.

5:8  But since we belong to the day, let us be sober. We must put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

5:9  For God has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

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

5:11  So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing.

5:12  Paul Gives Final Instructions to the ChurchBrothers, we ask you to show your appreciation for those who work among you, set an example for you in the Lord, and instructOr admonish you.

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

5:14  We urge you, brothers, to instructOr admonish those who are idle,Or disorderly cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

5:15  Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil. Instead, always pursue what is good for each other and for everyone else.

5:16  Always be joyful.

5:17  Continually be prayerful.

5:18  In everything be thankful, because this is God's will in Christ Jesus for you.

5:19  Do not put out the Spirit's fire.I.e. stifle the Spirit's work

5:20  Do not despise prophecies.

5:21  Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good,

5:22  but keep away from every kind of evil.

5:23  Final GreetingMay the God of peace himself make you holy in every way. And may your whole being—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 this.

5:25  Brothers, prayOther mss. read also pray for us.

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

5:27  I order you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

5:28  May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen.4:28 Other mss. lack Amen