²⁰ You intended to harm me,^(A) but God intended^(B) it for good^(C) to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.^(D)

Psalm 37^[a]

Of David.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you,^(C) persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.^{(D) 12} Rejoice and be glad,^(E) because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.^(F)

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) 11} For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake,^(H) so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.^(I)

¹¹ And of this gospel^(A) I was appointed^(B) a herald and an apostle and a teacher.^{(C) 12} That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame,^(D) because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard^(E) what I have entrusted to him until that day.^(F)

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)