⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,^(A) descended from David.^(B) This is my gospel,^{(C) 9} for which I am suffering^(D) even to the point of being chained^(E) like a criminal. But God’s word^(F) is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(G) for the sake of the elect,^(H) that they too may obtain the salvation^(I) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(J)

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:^(K)

The World Hates the Disciples

¹⁸ “If the world hates you,^(A) keep in mind that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you^(B) out of the world. That is why the world hates you.^{(C) 20} Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’^[a](D) If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.^(E) If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. ²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name,^(F) for they do not know the one who sent me.^(G)

⁴⁰ His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged.^(A) Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing^(B) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.^{(C) 42} Day after day, in the temple courts^(D) and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news^(E) that Jesus is the Messiah.^(F)

⁹ For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die^(A) in the arena. We have been made a spectacle^(B) to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ,^(C) but you are so wise in Christ!^(D) We are weak, but you are strong!^(E) You are honored, we are dishonored! ¹¹ To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.^{(F) 12} We work hard with our own hands.^(G) When we are cursed, we bless;^(H) when we are persecuted,^(I) we endure it; ¹³ when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage^(J) of the world—right up to this moment.

Paul’s Appeal and Warning

¹⁴ I am writing this not to shame you^(K) but to warn you as my dear children.^{(L) 15} Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father^(M) through the gospel.^{(N) 16} Therefore I urge you to imitate me.^(O)