The Day of the Lord
(2 Peter 3:8–13)

1But concerning the times and seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write to you; 2for you yourselves know well, that the day of the Lord is so coming like a thief in the night. 3When they may say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail upon a woman in gestation; and they can not escape. 4But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day may overtake you like a thief: 5for you are all the sons of light, and the sons of day: we are not of night, nor of darkness; 6then therefore let us not sleep like the rest, but watch and be sober. 7For those sleeping, sleep in the night; and those who are drunken, get drunk in the night: 8but let us, who are of the day, be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and divine love; and the helmet, the hope of salvation: 9because God did not put us forth unto wrath, but unto the obtainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10the one having died for us, in order that, whether we are awake or asleep, we shall at the same time live with him. 11Therefore exhort one another, and edify either the other, as you indeed are doing.

Christian Living

12But we intreat you, brethren, to know those who are laboring among you, and standing before you in the Lord, and admonishing you; 13and that you yourselves esteem them exceedingly in divine love for the sake of their work. Live in peace among yourselves. 14And we, exhort you, brethren, admonish the unruly, comfort the small-souled people, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. 15See that no one may return evil for evil to any one; but always pursue good toward one another, and toward all. 16Rejoice evermore; 17pray without ceasing; 18in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus towards you. 19Quench not the Spirit; 20despise not prophesying; 21but prove all things; and hold fast to the beautiful; 22abstain from every evil sight.

Final Blessings and Instructions

23And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless, in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is the one calling you, who indeed will do it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27I adjure you in the name of the Lord, that this epistle shall be read to all the brethren.

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