⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay^(A) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God^(B) and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side,^(C) but not crushed; perplexed,^(D) but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted,^(E) but not abandoned;^(F) struck down, but not destroyed.^{(G) 10} We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,^(H) so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.^(I)

A Final Charge to Timothy

¹⁰ You, however, know all about my teaching,^(A) my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹ persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch,^(B) Iconium^(C) and Lystra,^(D) the persecutions I endured.^(E) Yet the Lord rescued^(F) me from all of them.^{(G) 12} In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,^(H)

³⁶ Some faced jeers and flogging,^(A) and even chains and imprisonment.^{(B) 37} They were put to death by stoning;^[a](C) they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword.^(D) They went about in sheepskins and goatskins,^(E) destitute, persecuted and mistreated— ³⁸ the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves^(F) and in holes in the ground.

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) 14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(E) you are blessed,^(F) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^(G)