1 Thess 5:1Now as to the times and dates, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you.
1 Thess 5:2For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord is coming just as a thief [comes unexpectedly and suddenly] in the night.
1 Thess 5:3While they are saying, "Peace and safety [all is well and secure!]" then [in a moment unforeseen] destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains on a woman with child, and they will absolutely not escape [for there will be no way to escape the judgment of the Lord].
1 Thess 5:4But you, believers, [all you who believe in Christ as Savior and acknowledge Him as God's Son] are not in spiritual darkness [nor held by its power], that the day [of judgment] would overtake you [by surprise] like a thief;
1 Thess 5:5for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We do not belong to the night nor to darkness.
1 Thess 5:6So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise].
1 Thess 5:7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk get drunk at night.
1 Thess 5:8But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation.
1 Thess 5:9For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Thess 5:10who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ's appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life].
1 Thess 5:11Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.
1 Thess 5:12¶ Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction,
1 Thess 5:13and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another.
1 Thess 5:14We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper]. [Is 35:4]
1 Thess 5:15See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.
1 Thess 5:16Rejoice always and delight in your faith;
1 Thess 5:17be unceasing and persistent in prayer;
1 Thess 5:18in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thess 5:19Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit.
1 Thess 5:20Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations--words of instruction or exhortation or warning].
1 Thess 5:21But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good.
1 Thess 5:22Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].
1 Thess 5:23¶ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged--consecrated to Him--set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thess 5:24Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].
1 Thess 5:25¶ Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
1 Thess 5:26¶ Greet all the believers with a holy kiss [as brothers and sisters in God's family].
1 Thess 5:27I solemnly charge you by the Lord to have this letter read before all the congregation.
1 Thess 5:28¶ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.