The Scriptures (ISR 1998) 1Now, brothers, as to the times and the seasons, you do not need to be written to. 2For you yourselves know very well that the day of יהוה comes as a thief in the night. 3For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then suddenly destruction comes upon them, as labour pains upon a pregnant woman, and they shall not escape. 4But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5For you are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6So, then, we should not sleep, as others do, but we should watch and be sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8But we who are of the day should be sober, putting on the breastplate of belief and love, and as a helmet the expectation of deliverance. 9Because Elohim did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain deliverance through our Master יהושע Messiah, 10who died for us, so that we, whether awake or asleep, should live together with Him. 11Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, as indeed you do. 12But brothers, we beg you to know those who labour among you, and are over you in the Master and admonish you, 13and to hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And we appeal to you, brothers, warn those who are disorderly, encourage the faint-hearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18in all circumstances give thanks, for this is the desire of Elohim in Messiah יהושע for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecies, 21prove them all. Hold fast what is good. 22Keep back from every form of wickedness. 23And the Elohim of peace Himself set you completely apart, and your entire spirit, and being, and body - be preserved blameless at the coming of our Master יהושע Messiah! 24He who calls you is trustworthy, who also shall do it. 25Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a set-apart kiss. 27I charge you by the Master that this letter be read to all the set-apart brothers. 28The favour of our Master יהושע Messiah be with you. Amĕn. |