⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power^(A) until the coming of the salvation^(B) that is ready to be revealed^(C) in the last time. ⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice,^(D) though now for a little while^(E) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.^(F)

⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness^(A) of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire^(B)—may result in praise, glory and honor^(C) when Jesus Christ is revealed.^(D)

⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.^(A)

²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.^(A) “We must go through many hardships^(B) to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

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.

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.^(C) For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline^(D)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^(C)

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial^(A) because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life^(B) that the Lord has promised to those who love him.^(C)

Living for God

4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body,^(A) arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin.^{(B) 2} As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires,^(C) but rather for the will of God.