1Brothers and sisters, you don't need anyone to write to you about times and dates. 2You know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3When people say, "Everything is safe and sound!" destruction will suddenly strike them. It will be as sudden as labor pains come to a pregnant woman. They won't be able to escape. 4But, brothers and sisters, you don't live in the dark. That day won't take you by surprise as a thief would. 5You belong to the day and the light not to the night and the dark. 6Therefore, we must not fall asleep like other people, but we must stay awake and be sober. 7People who sleep, sleep at night; people who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8Since we belong to the day, we must be sober. We must put on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9It was not God's intention that we experience his anger but that we obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are awake in this life or asleep in death, we will live together with him. 11Therefore, encourage each other and strengthen one another as you are doing.

12Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show your appreciation for those leaders who work among you and instruct you. 13We ask you to love them and think very highly of them because of the work they are doing. Live in peace with each other. 14We encourage you, brothers and sisters, to instruct those who are not living right, cheer up those who are discouraged, help the weak, and be patient with everyone. 15Make sure that no one ever pays back one wrong with another wrong. Instead, always try to do what is good for each other and everyone else. 16Always be joyful. 17Never stop praying. 18Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God's will in Christ Jesus that you do this. 19Don't put out the Spirit's fire. 20Don't despise what God has revealed. 21Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. 22Keep away from every kind of evil.

23May the God who gives peace make you holy in every way. May he keep your whole being-spirit, soul, and body-blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.

25Brothers and sisters, pray for us.

26Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27In the Lord's name, I order you to read this letter to all the brothers and sisters.

28The good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.