¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you,^(A) persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.^(B)

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.

⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed,^(A) brothers and sisters,^[a] about the troubles we experienced^(B) in the province of Asia.^(C) We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.

¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(A) on the sacrifice^(B) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^(C)

¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators^(A) of God’s churches in Judea,^(B) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people^(C) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus^(D) and the prophets^(E) and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone ¹⁶ in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles^(F) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.^(G) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.^[a]

¹⁸ Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.^(A)

⁸ Son^(A) though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered^{(B) 9} and, once made perfect,^(C) he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him ¹⁰ and was designated by God to be high priest^(D) in the order of Melchizedek.^(E)