Praise to the God of All Comfort

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(A) the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us^(B) in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ,^(C) so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation;^(D) if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings,^(E) so also you share in our comfort.

⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed,^(F) brothers and sisters,^[a] about the troubles we experienced^(G) in the province of Asia.^(H) We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God,^(I) who raises the dead.^{(J) 10} He has delivered us from such a deadly peril,^(K) and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope^(L) that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers.^(M) Then many will give thanks^(N) on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you;^(A) bless and do not curse.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil.^(A) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.^{(B) 18} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.^{(C) 19} Do not take revenge,^(D) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a](E) says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds^(A) and glorify God^(B) on the day he visits us.

¹³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:^(C) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong^(D) and to commend those who do right.^{(E) 15} For it is God’s will^(F) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.^{(G) 16} Live as free people,^(H) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;^(I) live as God’s slaves.^{(J) 17} Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,^(K) fear God, honor the emperor.^(L)

¹⁸ Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,^(M) not only to those who are good and considerate,^(N) but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^{(O) 20} But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.^{(P) 21} To this^(Q) you were called,^(R) because Christ suffered for you,^(S) leaving you an example,^(T) that you should follow in his steps.