Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

⁶ Now, in the name of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah we command you, brothers, to stay away from any brother who is leading a life of idleness, a life not in keeping with the tradition you received from us. ⁷ For you yourselves know how you must imitate us, that we were not idle when we were among you. ⁸ We did not accept anyone’s food without paying; on the contrary, we labored and toiled, day and night, working so as not to be a burden to any of you. ⁹ It was not that we hadn’t the right to be supported, but so that we could make ourselves an example to imitate. ¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: if someone won’t work, he shouldn’t eat! ¹¹ We hear that some of you are leading a life of idleness — not busy working, just busybodies! ¹² We command such people — and in union with the Lord Yeshua the Messiah we urge them — to settle down, get to work, and earn their own living. ¹³ And you brothers who are doing what is good, don’t slack off!

⁵ As some people were remarking about the Temple, how beautiful its stonework and memorial decorations were, he said, ⁶ “The time is coming when what you see here will be totally destroyed — not a single stone will be left standing!” ⁷ They asked him, “Rabbi, if this is so, when will these events take place? And what sign will show that they are about to happen?” ⁸ He answered, “Watch out! Don’t be fooled! For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time has come!’ Don’t go after them. ⁹ And when you hear of wars and revolutions, don’t panic. For these things must happen first, but the end will not follow immediately.”

¹⁰ Then he told them, “Peoples will fight each other, nations will fight each other, ¹¹ there will be great earthquakes, there will be epidemics and famines in various places, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from Heaven. ¹² But before all this, they will arrest you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons; and you will be brought before kings and governors. This will all be on account of me, ¹³ but it will prove an opportunity for you to bear witness. ¹⁴ So make up your minds not to worry, rehearsing your defense beforehand; ¹⁵ for I myself will give you an eloquence and a wisdom that no adversary will be able to resist or refute. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends; some of you they will have put to death; ¹⁷ and everyone will hate you because of me. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will be lost. ¹⁹ By standing firm you will save your lives.