²² If I had not come and spoken to them,^(A) they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.^{(B) 23} Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. ²⁴ If I had not done among them the works no one else did,^(C) they would not be guilty of sin.^(D) As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law:^(E) ‘They hated me without reason.’^[a](F)

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing^(A) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.^(B)

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings,^(A) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^{(B) 4} perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope^(C) does not put us to shame, because God’s love^(D) has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,^(E) who has been given to us.

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.

¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^(A)

¹¹ And of this gospel^(A) I was appointed^(B) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.^{(C) 12} That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,^(D) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard^(E) what I have entrusted to him until that day.^(F)