The Day of the Lord
(2 Peter 3:8–13)

1But, concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written to you; 2for ye yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief at night. 3When they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in nowise escape. 4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief; 5for ye are all sons of light, and sons of day; we are not of night, nor of darkness. 6So, then, let us not sleep as do the rest, but let us watch and be sober. 7For those who sleep sleep at night, and those who are drunken are drunken at night. 8But let us, being of the day, be sober, having put on a breast-plate of faith and love; and, as a helmet, a hope of salvation; 9because God did not appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10Who died for us, that, whether we watch or sleep, we may live together with Him. 11Wherefore, exhort one another, and build up one another, as also ye do.

Christian Living

12And we beseech you, brethren, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all. 15See that no one render to any one evil for evil; but always pursue that which is good, toward one another, and toward all. 16Rejoice always: 17pray without ceasing. 18In everything give thanks; for this is God's will in Christ Jesus respecting you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Despise not prophesyings; 21but prove all things, hold fast that which is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23And the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is He Who calleth you, Who also will do it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brethren.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.