Study Desk

Now as to the ^(a)times and the epochs, brethren, you ^(b)have no need of anything to be written to you.

For you yourselves know full well that ^(c)the day of the Lord ^[a]will come ^(d)just like a thief in the night.

While they are saying, "^(e)Peace and safety!" then ^[b](f)destruction ^[c]will come upon them suddenly like ^(g)labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

But you, brethren, are not in ^(h)darkness, that the day would overtake you ^[d](i)like a thief;

for you are all ^(j)sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of ^(k)darkness;

so then let us not ^(l)sleep as ^[e](m)others do, but let us be alert and ^[f](n)sober.

For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get ^(o)drunk at night.

But since ^(p)we are of the day, let us ^(q)be ^[g]sober, having put on the ^(r)breastplate of ^(s)faith and love, and as a ^(t)helmet, the ^(u)hope of salvation.

For God has not destined us for ^(v)wrath, but for ^(w)obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

^(x)who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.

Therefore ^[h]encourage one another and ^(y)build up one another, just as you also are doing.

But we request of you, brethren, that you ^[i](z)appreciate those ^(aa)who diligently labor among you, and ^(ab)have charge over you in the Lord and give you ^[j]instruction,

and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. ^(ac)Live in peace with one another.

We urge you, brethren, admonish ^(ad)the ^[k]unruly, encourage ^(ae)the fainthearted, help ^(af)the weak, be ^(ag)patient with everyone.

See that ^(ah)no one repays another with evil for evil, but always ^(ai)seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

^(aj)Rejoice always;

^(ak)pray without ceasing;

in everything ^(al)give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

^(am)Do not quench the Spirit;

do not despise ^(an)prophetic ^[l]utterances.

But ^(ao)examine everything carefully; ^(ap)hold fast to that which is good;

abstain from every ^[m]form of evil.

Now ^(aq)may the God of peace ^(ar)Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your ^(as)spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, ^(at)without blame at ^(au)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

^(av)Faithful is He who ^(aw)calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

Brethren, ^(ax)pray for us^[n].

^(ay)Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.

I adjure you by the Lord to ^(az)have this letter read to all the ^(ba)brethren.

^(bb)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.