¹⁹ If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who from now on die in the Lord.” “Yes,”^[a] says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”^(A)

²¹ Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your trust and hope are in God.

¹² and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day the deposit I have entrusted to him.^[a](A)

⁹ For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to humans.^{(A) 10} We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are sensible people in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.^{(B) 11} To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are naked and beaten and homeless,^{(C) 12} and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;^{(D) 13} when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day.

²² There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.”^(A)

¹² Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.^(A)

¹² so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. ¹³ In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;^(A)

³³ I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”^(A)

Exhortation to Watch

³⁴ “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life and that day does not catch you unexpectedly,^(A)