1But about the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for me to write to you.
2For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.
3For when they say, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction comes upon them, like the pains of birth upon a woman with child. And they will not escape.
4But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, so that that day should catch you like a thief.
5You are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night, or to darkness.
6So then, let us not sleep, as others do. Let us keep watch and be sober.
7For those who sleep, sleep at night. And those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
8But we belong to the day, so let us be sober. Let us put on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
9For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10He died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we should live together with him.
11So comfort one another, and build each other up, just as you are doing.
12And we beg you, brothers and sisters, to recognise those who work hard among you, and are over you in the Lord, and correct you.
13Hold them in the highest regard in love, because of their work. And be at peace among yourselves.
14Now we urge you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are unruly, comfort those who are fainthearted, support the weak, be patient towards everyone.
15See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone. Always follow what is good, both among yourselves and towards everyone.
16Rejoice always.
17Pray without stopping.
18Give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19Do not quench the Spirit.
20Do not despise prophesyings.
21Test all things. Hold on to what is good.
22Keep away from every appearance of evil.
23And may the God of peace himself make you holy through and through. I pray that your whole spirit and soul and body may be kept blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
25Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
26Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.
27I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers and sisters.
28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. «The first letter to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.»