¹² Indeed, all who desire to ^(A)live a godly life in Christ Jesus ^(B)will be persecuted,

^14 (A)But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. ^(B)Have no fear of them, ^(C)nor be troubled,

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at ^(A)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice ^(B)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^(C)when his glory is revealed. ^14 (D)If you are insulted ^(E)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests upon you. ¹⁵ But ^(F)let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or ^(G)as a meddler. ¹⁶ Yet ^(H)if anyone suffers as a ^(I)Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God ^(J)in that name.

²⁰ For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But ^(A)if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. ²¹ For ^(B)to this you have been called, ^(C)because Christ also suffered for you, ^(D)leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

^22 (A)strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them ^(B)to continue in ^(C)the faith, and saying that ^(D)through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus

²⁴ Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him ^(A)deny himself and ^(B)take up his cross and follow me.

^2 (A)They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, ^(B)the hour is coming when ^(C)whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.

^19 (A)If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because ^(B)you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you: ^(C)‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, ^(D)they will also persecute you. ^(E)If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. ²¹ But ^(F)all these things they will do to you ^(G)on account of my name, ^(H)because they do not know him who sent me.

^10 (A)“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for ^(B)theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

^11 (C)“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely ^(D)on my account. ^12 (E)Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for ^(F)so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.