New King James Version

New Living Translation

The Day of the Lord

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.

1

Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters,a we don’t really need to write you.

2

For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

2

For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

3

For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

3

When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

4

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

4

But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.b

5

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

5

For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

6

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be [a]sober.

6

So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

7

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

7

Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk.

8

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

8

But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

9

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

9

For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.

10

who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

10

Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.

11

Therefore [b]comfort each other and [c]edify one another, just as you also are doing.

11

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

12

Various Exhortations

And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and [d]admonish you,

12

Paul’s Final Advice

Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.

13

and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

13

Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.

14

Now we [e]exhort you, brethren, warn those who are [f]unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.

14

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

15

See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.

15

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.

16

Rejoice always,

16

Always be joyful.

17

pray without ceasing,

17

Never stop praying.

18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

18

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

19

Do not quench the Spirit.

19

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.

20

Do not despise prophecies.

20

Do not scoff at prophecies,

21

Test all things; hold fast what is good.

21

but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.

22

Abstain from every form of evil.

22

Stay away from every kind of evil.

23

Blessing and Admonition

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify[g] you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

23

Paul’s Final Greetings

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

24

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

24

God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

25

Brethren, pray for us.

25

Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us.

26

Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

26

Greet all the brothers and sisters with a sacred kiss.