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Paul Gives Final Instructions to the Church

12 Brothers, we ask you to show your appreciation for those who work among you, set an example for you in the Lord, and instruct[a] you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard, loving them because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 We urge you, brothers, to admonish[b] those who are idle,[c] cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil. Instead, always pursue what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Continually be prayerful. 18 In everything be thankful, because this is God’s will for you in the Messiah[d] Jesus. 19 Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.[e] 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. 22 Keep away from every kind of evil.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Or admonish
  2. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Or instruct
  3. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Or disorderly
  4. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Or Christ
  5. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 I.e. stifle the Spirit’s work

Final Instructions

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

16 Rejoice always,(H) 17 pray continually,(I) 18 give thanks in all circumstances;(J) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.(K) 20 Do not treat prophecies(L) with contempt 21 but test them all;(M) hold on to what is good,(N) 22 reject every kind of evil.

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