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^(A) is near.

³² “Truly I tell you, this generation^(B) 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.^(C)

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life,^(D) and that day will close on you suddenly^(E) 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^(F) 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.”

Request for Prayer

3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(A) pray for us^(B) that the message of the Lord^(C) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.^{(D) 2} And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,^(E) for not everyone has faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful,^(F) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.^{(G) 4} We have confidence^(H) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts^(I) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness

⁶ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,^(J) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from^(K) every believer who is idle and disruptive^(L) and does not live according to the teaching^[a] you received from us.^{(M) 7} For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(N) 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^(O) 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,^(P) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^{(Q) 10} For even when we were with you,^(R) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work^(S) shall not eat.”

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.^{(T) 12} Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ^(U) to settle down and earn the food they eat.^{(V) 13} And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.^(W)