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

⁴ and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died,^[a] all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!”^{(A) 5} They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water,^{(B) 6} through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished.^{(C) 7} But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the godless.^(D)

⁸ But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.^{(E) 9} The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you,^[b] not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.^(F)

The Parable of the Wicked Tenants

⁹ He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and leased it to tenants and went away for a long time.^(A)

⁴⁸ But if that wicked slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’

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

¹⁹ After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them.^(A)

⁸ Discipline yourselves; keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.^(A)

³⁶ For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised.^{(A) 37} For yet

¹⁴ for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,