¹⁴ If the work that someone has built on the foundation survives, the builder will receive a wage.

⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and each will receive wages according to their own labor.^(A)

²¹ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’^{(A) 22} And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents.’ ²³ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things; I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

⁵ Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God.^(A)

The Message to Smyrna

⁸ “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of the First and the Last, who was dead and came to life:^(A)

⁹ “I know your affliction and your poverty, even though you are rich. I know the slander on the part of those who say that they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan.^{(B) 10} Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Beware, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have affliction. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.^{(C) 11} Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. Whoever conquers will not be harmed by the second death.^(D)

The Faithful or the Unfaithful Slave

⁴⁵ “Who, then, is the faithful and wise slave whom his master has put in charge of his household, to give the other slaves^[a] their allowance of food at the proper time?^{(A) 46} Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives.^{(B) 47} Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions.^(C)

⁴ And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.^(A)

Tending the Flock of God

5 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you^(A)

¹⁹ For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?^(A)

³ Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky,^[a] and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.^(A)