²⁰ Although the Lord gives you the bread^(A) of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers^(B) will be hidden^(C) no more; with your own eyes you will see them. ²¹ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice^(D) behind you, saying, “This is the way;^(E) walk in it.”

The Return to Antioch in Syria

²¹ They preached the gospel^(A) in that city and won a large number^(B) of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium^(C) and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.^(D) “We must go through many hardships^(E) to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

³⁶ How foolish!^(A) What you sow does not come to life unless it dies.^(B)

⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown^(A) except by competing according to the rules.

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you^(A) to his eternal glory^(B) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,^(C) will himself restore you and make you strong,^(D) firm and steadfast.

⁵ And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.^(D) For what children are not disciplined by their father?

¹¹ As you know, we count as blessed^(A) those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance^(B) and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.^(C) The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.^(D)