⁵ for our ^(A)gospel did not come to you in word only, but also ^(B)in power and in the Holy Spirit and with ^(C)full conviction; just as you know ^(D)what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sakes. ⁶ You also became ^(E)imitators of us and of the Lord, ^(F)having received ^(G)the word during great affliction with the ^(H)joy of the Holy Spirit,

¹³ For this reason we also constantly ^(A)thank God that when you received the ^(B)word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it ^(C)not as the word of mere men, but as what it really is, the word of God, ^(D)which also is at work in you who believe.

¹⁵ and that ^(A)from childhood you have known ^(B)the sacred writings which are able to ^(C)give you the wisdom that leads to ^(D)salvation through faith which is in ^(E)Christ Jesus. ^16 (F)All Scripture is ^[a]inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for ^[b]rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness;

¹⁸ In the exercise of ^(A)His will He ^(B)gave us birth by ^(C)the word of truth, so that we would be ^[a]a kind of ^(D)first fruits ^[b]among His creatures.

²² Since you have ^(A)purified your souls ^(B)in obedience to the truth for a ^(C)sincere love of the brothers and sisters, fervently love one another from ^[a]the heart, ²³ for you have been ^(D)born again ^(E)not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring ^(F)word of God.