⁷ especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh^(A) was given to me, a messenger of Satan^(B) to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. ⁸ Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power^(C) is perfected in weakness.”^(D)

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. ¹⁰ So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ.^(E) For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(F)

Signs of an Apostle

¹¹ I have been a fool; you forced it on me. You ought to have commended me, since I am not in any way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.^(G)

⁵ And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:

⁷ Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? ⁸ But if you are without discipline—which all receive^[b]—then you are illegitimate children and not sons.^{(B) 9} Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?^{(C) 10} For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness.^{(D) 11} No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit^(E) of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.^(F)

¹⁰ Brothers and sisters, take the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name as an example of suffering and patience. ¹¹ See, we count as blessed those who have endured.^[a] You have heard of Job’s endurance^(A) and have seen the outcome that the Lord brought about—the Lord is compassionate and merciful.^(B)

²¹ For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered^(A) for you, leaving you an example,^(B) that you should follow^(C) in his steps. ²² He did not commit sin,^(D) and no deceit^(E) was found in his mouth;^{[a](F) 23} when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges^(G) justly.

Christian Suffering

¹² Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.^{(A) 13} Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ,^(B) so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed.^{(C) 14} If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ,^(D) you are blessed, because the Spirit^(E) of glory and of God^[a] rests on you. ¹⁵ Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler.^{[b] 16} But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.^{[c] 17} For the time has come for judgment^(F) to begin with God’s household,^(G) and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God?

¹⁹ So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves^(I) to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.