1 Now concerning the times and the seasons {kairon: appointed opportunities}, brothers, you have no need for anything to be written {graphesthai: formally recorded} to you.
2 For you yourselves know exactly that the day of the Lord {Kyrios, Returning Judge} comes like a thief in the night {nykti: dark unawareness}.
3 When they say, “Peace {eirene: comprehensive wellbeing} and security,” then sudden destruction {olethros: catastrophic ruin} comes upon them, just as labor pain comes upon a woman who is pregnant, and they will by no means escape.
4 But you, brothers {adelphoi: fellow believers}, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief {kleptes: sudden intruder}.
5 For you are all sons {huioi: covenant identity} of light and sons of day {hemeras: open clarity}; we are not of night nor of darkness.
6 Therefore then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us be alert {gregoreo: watchful vigilance} and be sober {nepho: disciplined self-control}.
7 For those who sleep {katheudontes: habitual sleepers} sleep at night {nuktos: typical time}, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.
8 But we, being of the day {hemeras: belonging to light}, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation {soterias: deliverance from wrath}.
9 For God {Theos, Wise Appointer} did not appoint us for wrath {orge: judicial anger}, but for obtaining salvation {soteria: final deliverance} through our Lord Jesus Christ {Kyrios Iesous Christos, Mediating Savior}.
10 The One {Iesous, Sacrificial Savior} who died for us, so that whether we are awake {gregoromen: spiritually watchful} or asleep, we might live together with Him.
11 Therefore encourage {parakaleite: call alongside to support} one another and build each other up {oikodomeite: promote spiritual growth}, just as you are doing.
12 But we ask you, brothers, to recognize those who labor among you and who lead you in the Lord {Kyrios, Spiritual Authority} and who admonish you {nouthetountas: corrective instruction}.
13 And to esteem them most exceedingly in love {agape: sacrificial care} because of their work {ergon: ministry labor}. Be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brothers and sisters, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted {oligopsychous: those lacking courage}, support the weak {asthenon: those without strength}, be patient toward all.
15 See that no one returns {apodoi: pays back} evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue the good {agathon: moral excellence} toward one another and toward everyone.
16 Always {pantote: at every moment} rejoice {chairete: express deep joy}.
17 Pray {proseuchesthe: sincere prayer approach} continually {adialeiptos: nonstop habit}.
18 In every circumstance give thanks, for this is the will of God {Theos, Sovereign Planner of Your Good} in Christ Jesus {Christos Iesous, Gracious Sphere of Life} for you.
19 Do not quench {sbennute: suppress spiritual activity} the Spirit {pneuma, Divine Indwelling Presence}.
20 Do not despise {exoutheneo: regard as worthless} prophecies {propheteias: Spirit-inspired messages}.
21 But test all things; hold fast {katechete: firmly keep} to what is good {kalon: morally upright}.
22 Abstain from every {pantos: in all cases} form of evil {ponerou: corrupt behavior}.
23 Now may He Himself, the God {Theos, Sanctifying Reconciler} of peace, sanctify you entirely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ {Kyrios Iesous Christos, Returning Judge}.
24 Faithful is He {Theos, Covenant Keeper} who calls you, who also will accomplish this {poiesei: bring to pass}.
25 Brothers {adelphoi: spiritual family}, pray {proseuchesthe: ongoing petition} for us.
26 Greet all the brothers {adelphous: community of believers} with a holy kiss {philemati: affectionate greeting}.
27 I place you under oath by the Lord {Kyrios, Oath Witness} that this letter is to be read to all the brothers {adelphoi: fellow believers}.
28 The grace {charis: undeserved favor} of our Lord Jesus Christ {Kyrios Iesous Christos, Faithful Blesser} be with you.