⁴ For ^(A)whatever was written in former days was written for our ^(B)instruction, that through endurance and through ^(C)the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. ⁵ May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you ^(D)to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, ⁶ that together you may with one voice glorify ^(E)the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁷ Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Christ the Hope of Jews and Gentiles

⁸ For I tell you that Christ ^(F)became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order ^(G)to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, ⁹ and in order ^(H)that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

¹⁰ And again it is said,

¹¹ And again,

¹² And again Isaiah says,

¹³ May the God of hope fill you with all ^(O)joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

The Coming of the Son of Man

²⁵ “And ^(A)there will be signs in sun and moon ^(B)and stars, and on the earth ^(C)distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, ²⁶ people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For ^(D)the powers of the heavens will be shaken. ²⁷ And then they will see ^(E)the Son of Man coming in a cloud ^(F)with power and great glory. ²⁸ Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and ^(G)raise your heads, because ^(H)your redemption is drawing near.”

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

²⁹ And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. ³⁰ As soon as they come out in leaf, you see ^(I)for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. ³¹ So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. ^32 (J)Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. ^33 (K)Heaven and earth will pass away, but ^(L)my words will not pass away.