⁸ They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear^[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed^(A) and is useful for teaching,^(B) rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,^{(C) 17} so that the servant of God^[a](D) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.^(E)

¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^(E)

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) 24} For,

And this is the word that was preached to you.

Confirming One’s Calling and Election

³ His divine power^(A) has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him^(B) who called us^(C) by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,^(D) so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,^(E) having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.^(F)

²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God^(A) as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.^(B)