¹⁸ And you will again see the distinction between the righteous^(A) and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.^(B)

⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(A) We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked^(B) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,^(C) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^{(D) 10} For even when we were with you,^(E) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work^(F) shall not eat.”

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.^{(G) 12} Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ^(H) to settle down and earn the food they eat.^(I)

²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”^(A)

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times^(A)(B)

⁵ Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, ⁶ “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another;^(C) every one of them will be thrown down.”

⁷ “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

⁸ He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.^{(D) 9} When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

¹⁰ Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.^{(E) 11} There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.^(F)

¹² “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. ¹³ And so you will bear testimony to me.^{(G) 14} But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.^{(H) 15} For I will give you^(I) words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends,^(J) and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ Everyone will hate you because of me.^{(K) 18} But not a hair of your head will perish.^{(L) 19} Stand firm, and you will win life.^(M)