So, while Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came up to him privately and said: "Tell us when this will be, and what will be the sign of your Coming, and of the close of the age."

For, just as lightning will start from the east and flash across to the west, so will it be with the Coming of the Son of Man.

Immediately after the distress of those days, 'the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give her light, the stars will fall from the heavens,' and 'the forces of the heavens will be convulsed.' Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in the heavens; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn, when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the heavens,' with power and great glory;

I tell you, even the present generation will not pass away, till all these things have taken place.

And to give relief to you who are suffering, as well as to us, at the Appearing of the Lord Jesus from Heaven with his mighty angels, 'in flaming fire.'

I urge you to keep his Command free from stain or reproach, until the Appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There are, indeed, many unruly persons--great talkers who deceive themselves, principally converts from Judaism,

while we are awaiting our Blessed Hope--the Appearing in glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.

Be patient, then, Brothers, till the Coming of the Lord. Even the farmer has to wait for the precious fruit of the earth, watching over it patiently, till it has had the spring and summer rains. And you must be patient also, and not be discouraged; for the Lord's Coming is near.