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1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. |
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2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. |
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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. |
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4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. |
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5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. |
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6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. |
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7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. |
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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. |
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9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, |
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10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. |
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11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. |
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12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; |
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13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. |
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14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. |
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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. |
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16 Rejoice evermore. |
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17 Pray without ceasing. |
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18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. |
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19 Quench not the Spirit. |
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20 Despise not prophesyings. |
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21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. |
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22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. |
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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. |
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24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. |
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25 Brethren, pray for us. |
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26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. |
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27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. |
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28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. |
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