³ As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives,^(A) the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming^(B) and of the end of the age?”^(C)

²⁶ “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. ²⁷ For as lightning^(A) that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming^(B) of the Son of Man.^{(C) 28} Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.^(D)

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),^(A) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.^{(B) 18} For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan^(C) blocked our way.^{(D) 19} For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown^(E) in which we will glory^(F) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?^(G) Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory^(H) and joy.

Patience in Suffering

⁷ Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming.^(A) See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting^(B) for the autumn and spring rains.^{(C) 8} You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming^(D) is near.^(E)