Jacob’s Dream at Bethel

¹⁰ Jacob left Beersheba^(A) and set out for Harran.^{(B) 11} When he reached a certain place,^(C) he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head^(D) and lay down to sleep.

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^{(A) 3} because you know that the testing of your faith^(B) produces perseverance.^{(C) 4} Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(D) and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(E) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^{(F) 6} But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,^(G) because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded^(H) and unstable^(I) in all they do.

¹³ Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority:^(A) whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴ or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong^(B) and to commend those who do right.^{(C) 15} For it is God’s will^(D) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.^{(E) 16} Live as free people,^(F) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;^(G) live as God’s slaves.^{(H) 17} Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers,^(I) fear God, honor the emperor.^(J)

¹⁸ Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters,^(K) not only to those who are good and considerate,^(L) but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹ For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.^{(M) 20} But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.^{(N) 21} To this^(O) you were called,^(P) because Christ suffered for you,^(Q) leaving you an example,^(R) that you should follow in his steps.

¹³ Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^{(A) 14} But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(B) “Do not fear their threats^[a]; do not be frightened.”^{[b](C) 15} But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(D) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(E) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(F) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^{(G) 17} For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(H) to suffer for doing good^(I) than for doing evil. ¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once^(J) for sins,^(K) the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.^(L) He was put to death in the body^(M) but made alive in the Spirit.^{(N) 19} After being made alive,^[c] he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits^(O)— ²⁰ to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently^(P) in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.^(Q) In it only a few people, eight in all,^(R) were saved^(S) through water, ²¹ and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you^(T) also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience^(U) toward God.^[d] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,^{(V) 22} who has gone into heaven^(W) and is at God’s right hand^(X)—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.^(Y)