⁸ We are hard pressed on every side,^(A) but not crushed; perplexed,^(B) but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted,^(C) but not abandoned;^(D) struck down, but not destroyed.^{(E) 10} We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,^(F) so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.^(G)

² The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.^{(A) 3} Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power,^(B) and that he had come from God^(C) and was returning to God;

¹⁸ I will not leave you as orphans;^(A) I will come to you.^(B)

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings,^(A) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^{(B) 4} perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope^(C) does not put us to shame, because God’s love^(D) has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,^(E) who has been given to us.

¹³ No temptation^[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful;^(A) he will not let you be tempted^[b] beyond what you can bear.^(B) But when you are tempted,^[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart.^(A) Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly^(B) we are being renewed^(C) day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.^(D)

¹¹ Put on the full armor of God,^(A) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,^(B) but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(C) against the powers^(D) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.^(E)

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above,^(A) coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,^(B) who does not change^(C) like shifting shadows.

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind.^(A) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(B) like a roaring lion^(C) looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(D) standing firm in the faith,^(E) because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.^(F)

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you^(G) to his eternal glory^(H) in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,^(I) will himself restore you and make you strong,^(J) firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(K)

Final Greetings

¹² With the help of Silas,^[a](L) whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly,^(M) encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.^(N)

¹³ She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.^{(O) 14} Greet one another with a kiss of love.^(P)

Peace^(Q) to all of you who are in Christ.