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Final Exhortations, Greetings, and Benediction

12 But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you;(A) 13 esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.(B) 15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.(C) 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast to what is good;(D) 22 abstain from every form of evil.

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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