¹⁹ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.^(A)

¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord^(A) from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit,^(B) “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

²¹ Through him you believe in God,^(A) who raised him from the dead^(B) and glorified him,^(C) and so your faith and hope^(D) are in God.

¹² That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,^(A) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard^(B) what I have entrusted to him until that day.^(C)

⁹ For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die^(A) in the arena. We have been made a spectacle^(B) to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ,^(C) but you are so wise in Christ!^(D) We are weak, but you are strong!^(E) You are honored, we are dishonored! ¹¹ To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.^{(F) 12} We work hard with our own hands.^(G) When we are cursed, we bless;^(H) when we are persecuted,^(I) we endure it; ¹³ when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage^(J) of the world—right up to this moment.

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.

¹² In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,^(A)

¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.^{(A) 13} And you also were included in Christ^(B) when you heard the message of truth,^(C) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,^(D) the promised Holy Spirit,^(E)

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.^(A) In this world you will have trouble.^(B) But take heart! I have overcome^(C) the world.”