²⁵ Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one.^(A)

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.^(A)

⁵ And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.^(A)

¹² Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and for which you made^[a] the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.^(A)

⁷ I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.^{(A) 8} From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.^(B)

¹¹ I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one takes away your crown.

Trial and Temptation

¹² Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord^[a] has promised to those who love him.^(A)

⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness,

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

⁴ and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,