¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^(A)

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you,^(C) persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.^{(D) 12} Rejoice and be glad,^(E) because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.^(F)

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.^(A)

¹⁰ But by the grace^(A) of God I am what I am, and his grace to me^(B) was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them^(C)—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.^(D)

³² “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?^(A) Even sinners love those who love them.

¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(A) “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^{[b](B) 15} But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(C) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(D) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(E) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^{(F) 17} For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(G) to suffer for doing good^(H) than for doing evil.

⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.^(A)

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian^(A) churches.

Paul’s Change of Plans

¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience^(A) testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^[a](B) and godly sincerity.^(C) We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom^(D) but on God’s grace.