¹⁴ “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise^(A) I made to the people of Israel and Judah.

⁹ How can we thank God enough for you^(A) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?^{(B) 10} Night and day we pray^(C) most earnestly that we may see you again^(D) and supply what is lacking in your faith.

¹¹ Now may our God and Father^(E) himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. ¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other^(F) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(G) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(H) when our Lord Jesus comes^(I) with all his holy ones.^(J)

²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.^{(A) 26} People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.^{(B) 27} At that time they will see the Son of Man^(C) coming in a cloud^(D) with power and great glory. ²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”^(E)

²⁹ He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰ When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹ Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God^(F) is near.

³² “Truly I tell you, this generation^(G) will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.^(H)

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life,^(I) and that day will close on you suddenly^(J) like a trap. ³⁵ For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ Be always on the watch, and pray^(K) that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”