1 Thessalonians 5

1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I (or anyone) write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the Lord will come in the same manner as a thief in the night.

3 For when they (who are in darkness) shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes upon them (startling them like a thief, when the secrets of their hearts are laid bare), as (labor and) travail comes upon a woman with child; and they shall not be able to escape (the fear in their hearts when their nakedness is exposed, causing them to run unto destruction).

4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you (in fear) as a thief.

5 You are all the children of light (of His life), and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep (in idleness), as do others; but let us be (diligent) watchful (sober) and clear minded.

7 For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

8 But let us, who are of the day (and of the light), be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love (by harkening diligently to the faith which guards your heart from fear), and (protects your mind) like an helmet, (finding rest in) the (sure) hope of salvation (from death and the likeness of His resurrection).

9 For God has not appointed us to wrath (or destruction), but to obtain salvation (by which our lives are preserved eternally) by (the power of) the Lord Jesus Christ (indestructible life),

10 Who died for us (leaving death in the grave), so that, whether we are awake (and remain) or (our bodies have fallen) asleep, (at His return), we should all live together with Him (forever with the same glory and immortality in our flesh).

11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another (in the faith), even as also you do (yourself).

12 And we encourage you, brethren, to know (and communicate with) them who (are compelled by the love of God for all people to) labor (in the gospel) among you, and are over you in the Lord (teaching you in the faith of Jesus Christ), and correcting you (as ones who care for your lives as their own);

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves (and with all men).

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, admonish them that are unruly (or disorderly), comfort the faint-hearted (that they faint not), support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15 See that no one return evil for evil to any man; but always follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and toward all men.

16 Rejoice (in His loving-kindness to serve you with His indestructible life and glory) evermore.

17 Pray (in all things) without ceasing (frankly sharing your heart with the Father).

18 In everything offer thanksgiving (calling upon the name of the Lord and taking His cup of salvation): for this is the (perfect) will of God (revealed) in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Do not quench (or reject) the Spirit (of truth speaking to your inner man).

20 Despise not prophesying’s (divine utterances that provide clarity, understanding and reveal the depths and the mysteries of Christ).

21 Prove all things (with the word of truth); holding fast to that which is good.

22 Withdraw from all appearances of evil (those things which are filled with harassing labors and hardships that are not born from life).

23 Now the very God of peace (Himself has) sanctified you (from death with His own blood) completely (once and for all time); so that He may preserve your entire spirit and soul and body blameless (free from death’s accusation) unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (and the redemption of your bodies immortal).

24 Faithful is He that called you (into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord and into union with His life and immortality), who also will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us (that the gospel may have free course and be glorified even as it was with you).

26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27 I charge you (emphatically) by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren (the ones that see they have been set apart for His life).

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. {The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens.