1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have not need that I write to you. (You know about the 7th trump.)
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. (I.e. to those who aren't warned. They are not going to be looking. Satan's time is of the night, lunar. Paul is saying he doesn't need to write to you about dates because the elect know the events that lead to the Second Advent.)
3 For when they say, "Peace and safety;' then sudden destruction comes upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (2nd Tribulation, God's. See Mark 13:17. As the labor pains of a woman with child become closer-and-closer, so shall the fulfillment of prophecy marking the end of this age and the birth of a new age.)
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, in order that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 You are all the children of light (Christ is the Light), and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (Do not ever forget that! Spiritually, you are children of light. What is your light? Jesus Christ is the light that will keep you in the day and prevent the thief of the night from stealing your salvation.)
6 Therefore let us not sleep (spiritually), as do others; but let us watch and be sober (sincere).
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. (Satan's work taken place in darkness. Many today are asleep and in darkness concerning the Bible. Many are drunk with a stupor.)
8 But let us, who are of the day (the Prince of the day), be sober, putting on the breastplate (see Eph. 6:14) of faith and love (do not put on "fly away" doctrine); and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (Fight Satan, not man.)
9 Because God appointed us not to wrath, but to obtaining salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (Put on the gospel armour written of in Ephesians chapter 6. God did not create us to receive His anger. He created you to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, if you love Him and believe Him.)
10 Who died for us, that, whether we watch or sleep, we should live together with Him. (The subject of chapter 4. See John 8:51-58. Children of the light are never in darkness, even when we sleep. He is always there for you. He is your rest.)
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as you also are doing. (Let the Word be a comfort.)
12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; (Respect your elders.)
13 And to reckon them very highly in love on account of their work (The gift comes from God). And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See lest any render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both towards one another, and to all men. (Human rights)
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing. (At least once a day.)
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus in regard to you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings. (Cp. 1 Cor. 12:10; 13:2,8; 14:6,22. The reference to these gifts explains v.19)
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (Investigate and rightly divide the Word of God.)
22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your spirit (intellect of the soul) and soul (yourself) and body be be kept entire at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Notice how in every chapter of this Epistle the coming of the Lord is presented)
24 Faithful is He that calls you, Who will do it also.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. (See Rom. 16:16.)
27 I charge you by the Lord that the epistle be read to all the holy brethren. (Teach God's Word.)
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.