Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice^(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^(D)

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing^(A) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.^{(B) 42} Day after day, in the temple courts^(C) and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news^(D) that Jesus is the Messiah.^(E)

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.^(A) In this world you will have trouble.^(B) But take heart! I have overcome^(C) the world.”

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^(A)

⁶ like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord.^(A) You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.

⁷ Husbands,^(B) in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

² through whom we have gained access^(A) by faith into this grace in which we now stand.^(B) And we^[a] boast in the hope^(C) of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[b] also glory in our sufferings,^(D) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^{(E) 4} perseverance, character; and character, hope.