Not Peace but Division^(A)

⁴⁹ “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

²³ But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits;^(A) then, when he comes,^(B) those who belong to him.^{(C) 24} Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom^(D) to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.^{(E) 25} For he must reign^(F) until he has put all his enemies under his feet.^(G)

²⁹ for our “God is a consuming fire.”^[a](A)

⁷ By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire,^(A) being kept for the day of judgment^(B) and destruction of the ungodly.

Judgment and Covenant Renewal

4 ^[a]“Surely the day is coming;^(A) it will burn like a furnace.^(B) All the arrogant^(C) and every evildoer will be stubble,^(D) and the day that is coming will set them on fire,^(E)” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch^(F) will be left to them.

³ Then you will trample^(A) on the wicked; they will be ashes^(B) under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.

¹³ their work will be shown for what it is,^(A) because the Day^(B) will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.^{(C) 14} If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.^{(D) 15} If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.^(E)

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.^(A) The heavens will disappear with a roar;^(B) the elements will be destroyed by fire,^(C) and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.^[a](D)

¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward^(E) to the day of God and speed its coming.^[b](F) That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.^{(G) 13} But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth,^(H) where righteousness dwells.