² for you know very well that the day of the Lord^(A) will come like a thief in the night.^{(B) 3} While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”^(C) destruction will come on them suddenly,^(D) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.^(E)

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness^(F) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.^{(G) 5} You are all children of the light^(H) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,^(I) but let us be awake^(J) and sober.^{(K) 7} For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.^{(L) 8} But since we belong to the day,^(M) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(N) and the hope of salvation^(O) as a helmet.^{(P) 9} For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath^(Q) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.^(R)