⁸ But since we belong to the day,^(A) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(B) and the hope of salvation^(C) as a helmet.^{(D) 9} For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath^(E) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(F) 10} He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.^{(G) 11} Therefore encourage one another^(H) and build each other up,^(I) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard^(J) among you, who care for you in the Lord^(K) and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.^{(L) 14} And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(M) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(N) be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,^(O) but always strive to do what is good for each other^(P) and for everyone else.

¹⁶ Rejoice always,^{(Q) 17} pray continually,^{(R) 18} give thanks in all circumstances;^(S) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Jesus the Great High Priest

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest^(A) who has ascended into heaven,^[a](B) Jesus the Son of God,^(C) let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.^{(D) 15} For we do not have a high priest^(E) who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are^(F)—yet he did not sin.^{(G) 16} Let us then approach^(H) God’s throne of grace with confidence,^(I) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

⁸ So do not be ashamed^(A) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(B) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(C) by the power of God. ⁹ He has saved^(D) us and called^(E) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done^(F) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰ but it has now been revealed^(G) through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus,^(H) who has destroyed death^(I) and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ¹¹ And of this gospel^(J) I was appointed^(K) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.^{(L) 12} That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,^(M) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard^(N) what I have entrusted to him until that day.^(O)

¹³ What you heard from me,^(P) keep^(Q) as the pattern^(R) of sound teaching,^(S) with faith and love in Christ Jesus.^{(T) 14} Guard^(U) the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.^(V)