The Servant of the Lord

¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^{(E) 13} Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.^(F) Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,^(A) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(B) 17} Take the helmet of salvation^(C) and the sword of the Spirit,^(D) which is the word of God.^(E)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit^(F) on all occasions^(G) with all kinds of prayers and requests.^(H) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying^(I) for all the Lord’s people.

¹⁵ His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace,^(A) and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.^{(B) 16} In his right hand he held seven stars,^(C) and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword.^(D) His face was like the sun^(E) shining in all its brilliance.

¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet^(F) as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me^(G) and said: “Do not be afraid.^(H) I am the First and the Last.^(I)

To the Church in Pergamum

¹² “To the angel of the church in Pergamum^(C) write: