The Day of the Lord (Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)
2 AKJV For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. BSB BSB: For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
3 AKJV For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction comes on them, as travail on a woman with child; and they shall not escape. BSB BSB: While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 AKJV But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. BSB BSB: But you, brothers, are not in the darkness so that this day should overtake you like a thief.
5 AKJV You are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. BSB BSB: For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
6 AKJV Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. BSB BSB: So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.
7 AKJV For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. BSB BSB: For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
8 AKJV 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. BSB BSB: But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.
9 AKJV For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, BSB BSB: For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10 AKJV Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. BSB BSB: He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him.
11 AKJV Why comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also you do. BSB BSB: Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Christian Living 12 AKJV And we beseech you, brothers, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; BSB BSB: But we ask you, brothers, to acknowledge those who work diligently among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
13 AKJV And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. BSB BSB: In love, hold them in highest regard because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
14 AKJV Now we exhort you, brothers, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. BSB BSB: And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
15 AKJV See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. BSB BSB: Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
16 AKJV Rejoice ever more. BSB BSB: Rejoice at all times.
17 AKJV Pray without ceasing. BSB BSB: Pray without ceasing.
18 AKJV In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. BSB BSB: Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 AKJV Quench not the Spirit. BSB BSB: Do not extinguish the Spirit.
20 AKJV Despise not prophesyings. BSB BSB: Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
22 AKJV Abstain from all appearance of evil. BSB BSB: Abstain from every form of evil.
Final Blessings and Instructions 23 AKJV And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. BSB BSB: Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 AKJV Faithful is he that calls you, who also will do it. BSB BSB: The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
25 AKJV Brothers, pray for us. BSB BSB: Brothers, pray for us as well.
26 AKJV Greet all the brothers with an holy kiss. BSB BSB: Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 AKJV I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers. BSB BSB: I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 AKJV The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. BSB BSB: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.