Goodspeed(i)
1 But as to times and dates, brothers, you do not need to have anyone write to you,
2 for you yourselves know perfectly well that the Day of the Lord is to come like a thief in the night.
3 When people say, "What peace and security!" then suddenly destruction will be upon them, like birth-pains upon a woman about to give birth to a child, and there will be no escape.
4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, so that that Day should surprise you like thieves.
5 You all belong to the light and the day. We have nothing to do with night or with darkness.
6 So we must not sleep like other men, but we must be vigilant and composed.
7 For those who sleep sleep at night and those who get drunk do so at night,
8 but we who belong to the day must be composed, wearing faith and love for a coat of mail, and helmeted with the hope of salvation.
9 For God has not destined us for his wrath, but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us so that whether we are still alive or fall asleep we may live with him.
11 Therefore encourage one another and strengthen one another, just as you are doing.
12 We beg you, brothers, to respect those who work with you and who lead you in the service of the Lord, and teach you.
13 Hold them in the highest esteem and affection for what they do. Live at peace with one another.
14 We beg you, brothers, warn the idlers, cheer up the despondent, keep hold of the weak, be patient with everybody.
15 Take care that none of you ever pays back evil for evil, but always try to treat one another and everybody with kindness.
16 Always be joyful.
17 Never give up praying.
18 Thank God whatever happens. For this is what God through Christ Jesus wants you to do.
19 Do not stifle the Spirit.
20 Do not disregard the utterances it inspires,
21 but test them all, retaining what is good
22 and avoiding every kind of evil.
23 May God himself, the giver of peace, consecrate you through and through. Spirit, soul, and body, may you be kept sound, and be found irreproachable when our Lord Jesus Christ comes.
24 He who calls you can be relied on, and he will do this.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a sacred kiss.
27 I charge you in the Lord's name to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.