¹⁶ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this ^[a]matter.

¹⁷ For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

Christ’s Suffering and Ours

¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring ^[a]us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

Profiting from Trials

² My brethren, ^(A)count it all joy ^(B)when you fall into various trials, ^3 (C)knowing that the testing of your faith produces ^[a]patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be ^[b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

²⁹ For to you ^(A)it has been granted on behalf of Christ, ^(B)not only to believe in Him, but also to ^(C)suffer for His sake,

¹⁹ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God ^(A)commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

¹² For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, ^(A)for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.

⁴¹ So they departed from the presence of the council, ^(A)rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for ^[a]His name.

²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but ^(A)with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life ^(B)or by death.

^13 (A)Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, ^(B)which is your glory.

Appreciation of the Mystery

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees to the ^(C)Father ^[a]of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,