1 Thessalonians

Offers hope and encouragement for believers to live faithfully as they await Christ's return.

Chapter 5

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

*But, about times and seasons, dear friends, you don't need me to tell you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

*You know for sure that when the Lord's day comes, it will be like a thief sneaking up in the night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

*When people say there's peace and safety, suddenly destruction will come to them, just like labor pains for a pregnant woman; they can't avoid it.

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

*But brothers, you're not in the dark, so that unexpected day won't catch you off guard like a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

*You are all children of light and day people; we aren't night or darkness people.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

*So, we shouldn't sleep like others do; instead, we should stay alert and act sensibly.

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

*For those who sleep do so at night, and those who are drunk also get drunk at night.

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

*So during the day, let's stay alert and sensible. We should wear a chest protector made of faith and love, and our helmet should be the hope of being saved.

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

*God didn't plan for us to experience anger, but rather to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

*Who gave their life for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we can always live with them.

11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

*So, encourage each other and build one another up, just like you already are doing.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

*We ask you, dear friends, to understand those who work hard among you, lead you in the Lord, and give you advice.

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

*And value them greatly because of their work. Be calm with each other.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

*We ask you now, dear friends, to tell those who behave badly, encourage those who are easily upset, help those who are weak, and be patient with everyone.

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

*Don't do bad things to others in return; instead, always choose to do good, not just with each other, but with everyone.

16 Rejoice evermore.

*Always be happy.

17 Pray without ceasing.

*Pray all the time.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

*Be thankful for everything, because that's what God wants through Jesus for you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

*Don't extinguish the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

*Don't disrespect prophecies.

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

*Check everything; keep the good things.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

*Avoid anything that looks bad or wrong.

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

*May the true God of peace make you completely holy, and I ask that your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept without fault until our Lord Jesus Christ returns.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

*He who calls you is faithful and will surely fulfill his promise.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

*Dear friends, please pray for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

*Say a holy greeting with a kiss to all your brothers and sisters.

27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

*By God's order, read this letter to all the good brothers and sisters.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

*May the kindness of our Lord Jesus bless you. Yes, indeed.

read summary

Back to Chapters

Back to Books

* work in progress, there will be mistakes