¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows^(A) and builds itself up^(B) in love,^(C) as each part does its work.

² And the things you have heard me say^(A) in the presence of many witnesses^(B) entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

²⁴ but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.^(A)

²³ For you have been born again,^(A) not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,^(B) through the living and enduring word of God.^(C)

⁵ you also, like living stones, are being built^(A) into a spiritual house^[a](B) to be a holy priesthood,^(C) offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.^(D)

⁹ But you are a chosen people,^(A) a royal priesthood,^(B) a holy nation,^(C) God’s special possession,^(D) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.^(E)