5: 2.

But

selves, know very well that the day of the Lord is
coming just as a thief comes in the night. So
when they are saying: "Peace and safety," then
all of a sudden destruction is upon them, just as
the birth pangs suddenly seize a woman who is
with child, and they shall in no way escape.
you, brothers, are not in the dark so that the day
should surprise you as a thief. For all of you are
thoroughly in harmony with the light and with the
day. We do not belong to night, nor to darkness.
So, then, it is not for us to sleep like everybody
else does. On the contrary, we must keep awake
and keep self thoroughly under control.

For those who sleep, sleep in the night,

And those who get drunk, get drunk in the night.

But, as we belong to the day,

We must keep ourselves thoroughly under
control,

Having put on faith and love, as a breastplate,
And as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

For God did not intend us for punishment, but, on the contrary, to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that, whether we are awake, or are asleep, we shall live all together with him. For this reason, encourage each

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1 THESS. 5: 11.

RESPECT FOR LEADERS.

25

other and build each other up, just as you are really doing.

But, we beg you, brothers, to pay attention to those who are laboring among you, and are leading you in the Lord, and are giving you counsel. Hold them in very high esteem and affection for the sake of their work. Live in peace among yourselves. And we beg you, brothers, to warn the disorderly, to encourage the faint-hearted, to lend a helping hand to the weak, and to be very patient with everybody. See that no one pays back wrong for wrong to any one. On the contrary, always be generous to each other and to everybody.

Always be in a condition of joy.

Without a break let your prayers continue to be made.

Under all circumstances keep giving God thanks.

For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Never suppress the Spirit.

Never consider the declarations of God's truth of

no account.

Put everything to the test.

Hold fast to what is noble.

Keep away from every kind of wickedness.

And may he, himself, the God of peace,
Make you thoroughly devoted.

And may your spirit and soul and body

Be preserved entire and without blame, At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is to be relied on who is calling you, And he will do it.

Brothers, pray for us.

5: 23.

Greet all the brothers with a kiss of devotion. I adjure you in the Lord's name

To have this letter read to all the brothers. May the favor of our Lord Jesus Christ

Be with you.

II. THESSALONIANS.