The Lord’s Day
(Parallel teachings: Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44; 2 Peter 3:8-13)
(Thematic parallels: Zephaniah 1:7-18; Amos 5:18-20; Joel 2:1-11)
- 1 But concerning the times and the seasons brothers, you have no need for me to write to you.
- 2 For you yourselves have accurately known that the Lord’s dayfnquotation/allusion to Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11; Amos 5:18-20; Zephaniah 1:14; Isaiah 13:6, 9 (also quoted/alluded to by Acts 2:20; 2 Thess 2:2; 2 Pet 3:10) comes in this way: like a thief in the night.fnquotation/allusion to Matthew 24:43-44; Luke 12:39-40 (also quoted/alluded to by 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3, 16:15); see also Joel 2:9
- 3 When they say: “Peace and security” then destruction comes upon them suddenly, like labor pain of a woman having a child in her womb,fnquotation/allusion to Matthew 24:8; Mark 13:8; Isaiah 13:8 and they definitely won’t escape.
- 4 But brothers, you aren’t in darkness that the day might seize you like a thief.
- 5 For you’re all sons of light and sons of day. We aren’t of night nor of darkness.
- 6 So therefore, we shouldn’t sleep like the rest of them, but we should watch and be sober.
- 7 For the men sleeping sleep at night, and the men becoming drunk are drunk at night.
- 8 But we – being of the day – should be sober, having clothed ourselves with the breastplate of faith and ^love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation,fnquotation/allusion to Isaiah 59:17 (also quoted/alluded to by Eph 6:14, 17)
- 9 because God didn’t appoint us for wrath, but for obtainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus the Anointed,
- 10 the One who died for our benefit, so whether we watch or we sleep, we might live together with Him.
- 11 Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also do.
Proper Christian Conduct
(Parallel teachings: Romans 12:9-21; Philippians 4:4-9)
(Thematic parallels: Matthew 5:38-48)
- 12 Now brothers, we ask you to *notice the men toiling among you, and leading you in the Lord, and admonishing you,
- 13 and to greatly esteem them in ^love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
- 14 And we encourage you brothers: admonish the disorderly,fn“disorderly” This Greek word refers to someone who isn’t living in the proper “appointed order”. It was used of soldiers who wouldn’t remain in formation and of people who deviated from the proper way of life. encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
- 15 See that no one repays anyone evil in exchange for evil, but always pursue good to one another and to all.
- 16 Rejoice always.
- 17 Pray without ceasing.
- 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus the Anointed.
- 19 Don’t quench the Spirit.
- 20 Don’t disregard or despisefn“disregard or despise” is one word in Greek. It means to ignore something or to treat it as being of no value/worth. In the latter sense, it also carries the connotation of treating it contemptuously. prophecies.
- 21 And examine all things; hold fast to the good.
- 22 Keep far away from every form of evil.
Final Blessing
- 23 Now may the God of peace Himself make you completely holy, and may your spirit, and soul, and body be wholly preserved, blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus the Anointed.
- 24 The One calling you is faithful, who will also make it happen.
- 25 Brothers, pray for us.
- 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
- 27 I solemnly charge you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
- 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus the Anointed be with you. [Amen]