¹³ We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.^(A)

¹² Indeed, the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.^(A)

¹⁷ So faith^[a] comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.^[b]

²³ You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.^[a](A)

That word is the good news that was announced to you.^(A)

² Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation^(A)—

²⁸ But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”^(A)

⁴⁸ When the gentiles heard this, they were glad and praised the word of the Lord, and as many as had been destined for eternal life became believers.

¹⁴ though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

³ And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.