The Day of the Lord
(2 Peter 3:8–13)

1But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need of my writing to you: 2for ye yourselves know full well, that the day of the Lord cometh like a thief in the night. 3And when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4But ye, my brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should seize you as a thief: 5ye are all children of the light, and of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6Therefore let us not sleep like others, but let us watch and be sober: 7for they, that sleep, sleep in the night; and drunkards are drunk in the night: 8but let us, who are of the day, be sober; putting on the breast-plate of faith and love, and for an helmet the hope of salvation. 9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10who died for us, that whether we be awake, or asleep, we may live together with Him. 11Wherefore comfort one another, and edify each other, as indeed ye do.

Christian Living

12And we entreat you, brethren, to respect those that labour among you, and preside over you in the Lord, and instruct you; 13and to esteem them very highly in love, on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And admonish the disorderly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be of a patient spirit towards all. 15See that no one render evil for evil to any man; but always pursue that which is good, both to each other and to all men. 16Be always joyful. 17Pray continually. 18In every circumstance be thankful; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Slight not prophesyings: 21yet try all things, and hold fast that which is good. 22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly: and grant that your whole frame, spirit, soul, and body may be kept blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

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

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