The Day of the Lord (Zephaniah 1:7–18; Malachi 4:1–6; 2 Peter 3:8–13)
2 WBS 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 WBS 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. 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 WBS 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 WBS Ye are all children of light, and 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 WBS 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 WBS For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that are 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 WBS But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breast-plate 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 WBS For God hath 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 WBS 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 WBS Wherefore, comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. BSB BSB: Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
Christian Living 12 WBS And we beseech you, brethren, to know them who 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 WBS 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 WBS Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are disorderly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient towards 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 WBS 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 WBS Rejoice evermore. BSB BSB: Rejoice at all times.
17 WBS Pray without ceasing. BSB BSB: Pray without ceasing.
18 WBS 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 WBS Quench not the spirit. BSB BSB: Do not extinguish the Spirit.
20 WBS Despise not prophesyings. BSB BSB: Do not treat prophecies with contempt,
22 WBS Abstain from all appearance of evil. BSB BSB: Abstain from every form of evil.
Final Blessings and Instructions 23 WBS And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body may 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 WBS Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it . BSB BSB: The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
25 WBS Brethren, pray for us. BSB BSB: Brothers, pray for us as well.
26 WBS Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. BSB BSB: Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 WBS I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren. BSB BSB: I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 WBS 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.