²⁵ He chose to be mistreated^(A) along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

³ Join with me in suffering,^(A) like a good soldier^(B) of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. ⁵ Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown^(C) except by competing according to the rules. ⁶ The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.^{(D) 7} Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead,^(E) descended from David.^(F) This is my gospel,^{(G) 9} for which I am suffering^(H) even to the point of being chained^(I) like a criminal. But God’s word^(J) is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything^(K) for the sake of the elect,^(L) that they too may obtain the salvation^(M) that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.^(N)

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,^(A) the new creation^(B) has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!^(C)

Suffering for Being a Christian

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you^(A) to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice^(B) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(C) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{(D) 14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(E) you are blessed,^(F) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^(G)

⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice,^(A) though now for a little while^(B) you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.^{(C) 7} These have come so that the proven genuineness^(D) of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire^(E)—may result in praise, glory and honor^(F) when Jesus Christ is revealed.^(G)