⁵ As the bridegroom ^(A)was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.

^4 (A)They will say, “Where is the promise of ^(B)his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” ⁵ For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth ^(C)was formed out of water and through water ^(D)by the word of God, ⁶ and that by means of these the world that then existed ^(E)was deluged with water and ^(F)perished. ⁷ But by the same word ^(G)the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and ^(H)destruction of the ungodly.

⁸ But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and ^(I)a thousand years as one day. ^9 (J)The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise ^(K)as some count slowness, but ^(L)is patient toward you,^{[a] (M)}not wishing that any should perish, but ^(N)that all should reach repentance.

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

^9 (A)And he began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted ^(B)a vineyard and ^(C)let it out to tenants and ^(D)went into another country for a long while.

⁴⁸ But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master ^(A)is delayed,’

⁶ So then ^(A)let us not sleep, as others do, but let us ^(B)keep awake and ^(C)be sober. ⁷ For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, ^(D)are drunk at night. ⁸ But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, ^(E)having put on the breastplate of ^(F)faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

¹⁹ Now ^(A)after a long time the master of those servants came and ^(B)settled accounts with them.

^8 (A)Be sober-minded; ^(B)be watchful. Your ^(C)adversary the devil ^(D)prowls around ^(E)like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

³⁶ For ^(A)you have need of endurance, so that ^(B)when you have done the will of God you may ^(C)receive what is promised. ³⁷ For,