As for what you said about those who are left, this is the interpretation: As for what you said about may be rendered “As for what you asked about” or even “You have raised a question about.” Those who are left are those people who will remain until the end time (see verses 16 and 19). This is the interpretation may be translated “Here is the answer” or “I will tell you” (Contemporary English Version).

He who brings the peril at that time will himself protect those who fall into peril, who have works and have faith in the Almighty: God is the one who brings the peril (the dangers), but God will also protect from danger all who have works, that is, who have done righteous deeds, and have faith in the Almighty, that is, believe in God Almighty (see 2 Esd 9.7-8). It is not clear in either Good News Bible or Contemporary English Version that God does this. A model of verses 22-23 that makes this clear is:

• 22 You have raised a question about those who will survive until the end. The answer is that 23 God Almighty, who will bring about the dangers of those times, will also protect from danger all those who have faith [or, believed] in him and who have lived righteous [or, good] lives.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.