⁴¹ As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.^(A)

Faith and Wisdom

² My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy,^(A)

¹³ But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.^{(A) 14} If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory,^[a] which is the Spirit of God,^[b] is resting on you.^{[c](B) 15} But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.^{[d](C) 16} Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.^[e]

²² “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you^[a] on account of the Son of Man.^(A)

²⁹ For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well,^(A)

²¹ But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.^(A)

¹⁰ Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.^(A)

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

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely^[a] on my account.^{(B) 12} Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.^(C)

² looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of^[a] the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.^(A)

The Lord Vindicates Zion