Paul’s Labor for the Church

²⁴ Now I rejoice^(A) in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,^(B) for the sake of his body, which is the church.^(C)

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings,^(A) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^(B)

⁸ So do not be ashamed^(A) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(B) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(C) by the power of God.

⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ,^(A) so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation;^(B) if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings,^(C) so also you share in our comfort.

⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed,^(D) brothers and sisters,^[a] about the troubles we experienced^(E) in the province of Asia.^(F) We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.

¹⁰ I want to know^(A) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(B) becoming like him in his death,^(C)

⁴ I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you.^(A) I am greatly encouraged;^(B) in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.^(C)

⁹ for which I am suffering^(A) even to the point of being chained^(B) like a criminal. But God’s word^(C) is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(D) for the sake of the elect,^(E) that they too may obtain the salvation^(F) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(G)

¹³ I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^(A)