¹³ All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised;^(A) they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance,^(B) admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.^{(C) 14} People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.

²¹ I have declared to both Jews^(A) and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance^(B) and have faith in our Lord Jesus.^(C)

²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(A) a stumbling block^(B) to Jews and foolishness^(C) to Gentiles,

¹⁷ Since you call on a Father^(A) who judges each person’s work^(B) impartially,^(C) live out your time as foreigners^(D) here in reverent fear.^(E)

Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society

¹¹ Dear friends,^(A) I urge you, as foreigners and exiles,^(B) to abstain from sinful desires,^(C) which wage war against your soul.^(D)