The Day of the Lord (Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)
2 RV For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh 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 RV When they are saying, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall in no wise 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 RV But ye, brethren, 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 RV for ye are all sons of light, and sons 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 RV so then let us not sleep, as do the rest, 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 RV 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 RV But let us, since we are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a 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 RV For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through 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 RV 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 RV Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do. BSB BSB: Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Christian Living 12 RV But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labour 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 RV and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake. 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 RV And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. BSB BSB: And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.
15 RV See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but alway follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. BSB BSB: Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
16 RV Rejoice alway; BSB BSB: Rejoice at all times.
17 RV pray without ceasing; BSB BSB: Pray without ceasing.
18 RV in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. BSB BSB: Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19 RV Quench not the Spirit; BSB BSB: Do not extinguish the Spirit.
20 RV despise not prophesyings; BSB BSB: Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
22 RV abstain from every form of evil. BSB BSB: Abstain from every form of evil.
Final Blessings and Instructions 23 RV And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at 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 RV Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it. BSB BSB: The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
25 RV Brethren, pray for us. BSB BSB: Brothers, pray for us as well.
26 RV Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. BSB BSB: Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 RV I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren. BSB BSB: I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 RV The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. BSB BSB: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.