¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery^(A) from which true godliness^(B) springs is great:

¹⁴ The Word became flesh^(A) and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory,^(B) the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace^(C) and truth.^(D)

²⁵ Now to him who is able^(A) to establish you in accordance with my gospel,^(B) the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery^(C) hidden for long ages past,

³ The Son is the radiance of God’s glory^(A) and the exact representation of his being,^(B) sustaining all things^(C) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,^(D) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.^(E)

⁴ While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning^(A) stood beside them.

¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven^(A) and he sat at the right hand of God.^(B)

²³ if you continue^(A) in your faith, established^(B) and firm, and do not move from the hope^(C) held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,^(D) and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.^(E)

²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock^(A) of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.^(B) Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a](C) which he bought^(D) with his own blood.^[b](E)

²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”^[a](A) (which means “God with us”).