5:1 Sisters and brothers, we really don’t need to write to you about times and seasons,

5:2 because you already know that the Day of the Master comes like a thief in the night.

5:3 When they say “peace and safety,” sudden ruin will come upon them like labor pains and they will not escape.

5:4 But you, on the other hand, are not in the dark, that this Day should surprise you like a thief.

5:5 You are all of the light and the daytime, not the darkness and the night.

5:6 So don’t doze off like the rest but watch and be sensible.

5:7 For those who doze off sleep at night, and the drunks get drunk at night;

5:8 but we are of the day and must be sensible, putting on the torso armor of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation.

5:9 Because God did not appoint us to suffer his anger but to acquire salvation by means of our Master Jesus the Anointed

5:10 who died for our sakes, so that whether we are alert or dozing off we will live together with him.

5:11 So comfort each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

5:12 Now we are asking you, brothers and sisters, to notice those who labor among you, and who provide for you and protect you and warn you concerning the Master.

5:13 Esteem them highly in love for their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

5:14 Sisters and brothers, we plead with you to warn the disorderly, encourage the disillusioned, shield the weak, and be patient with everyone.

5:15 See to it that people don’t seek revenge but always chase after what is good for one and all.

5:16 Always be joyful;

5:17 pray continually;

5:18 be thankful in everything, because this is God’s will for you as followers of Anointed Jesus.

5:19 Do not squelch the Spirit;

5:20 do not scorn prophecies

5:21 but test everything and keep the best.

5:22 Stay far from even the slightest hint of evil.

5:23 Now may the God of Peace himself make you completely holy and free in body, soul, and spirit. May you be kept blameless in the presence of our Master Jesus the Anointed.

5:24 The One who calls you is faithful to do this.

5:25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us too.

5:26 Greet the other believers warmly.

5:27 I hold you to the solemn responsibility of reading this letter to all the sisters and brothers.

5:28 May the favor of our Master Jesus the Anointed be with you all.