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[1] BUT of the times and seasons, my brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
[2] For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of our LORD comes just like a thief in the night.
[3] For when they shall say: Peace and tranquility; then sudden destruction will come upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
[4] But you, my brethren, are not in darkness that that day shall overtake you as a thief.
[5] You are all the children of light, and the children of the day; and you are not the children of the night, nor the children of darkness.
[6] Therefore let us not sleep, as do others, but let us watch and be sober.
[7] For those who sleep, sleep in the night: and those who are drunken are drunken in the night.
[8] But let us who are the children of the day, be alert, putting on the breastplate of faith and love and for a helmet put on the hope of salvation.
[9] For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our LORD Jesus Christ,
[10] Who died for us, that whether we awake or sleep, we shall live together with him.
[11] Wherefore comfort one another and edify one another, even as also you do.
[12] We beseech you, my brethren, to respect those who labor among you, and admonish you in our LORD and teach you;
[13] That you esteem them very highly in love, and be at peace with them for their work's sake.
[14] Now we beseech you, my brethren, correct those who offend, comfort those who lack courage, bear the burdens of the weak, and be patient toward all men.
[15] See that none of you render evil for evil; but always follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
[16] Be joyful always.
[17] Pray without ceasing.
[18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ concerning you.
[19] Do not quench the Spirit.
[20] Do not reject prophecies.
[21] Prove all things, uphold that which is good.
[22] Abstain from every sort of evil.
[23] May the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved without blemish to the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ.
[24] Faithful is he who has called you and he will keep his word.
[25] My brethren, pray for us.
[26] Salute all our brethren with a holy kiss.
[27] I adjure you by our LORD that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
[28] The grace of our LORD Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
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