^18 (A)Of his own will he ^(B)brought us forth by the word of truth, ^(C)that we should be a kind of ^(D)firstfruits of his creatures.

⁴ It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for ^(A)they are virgins. It is these ^(B)who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as ^(C)firstfruits for God and the Lamb,

⁷ All who found them have devoured them, ^(A)and their enemies have said, ‘We are not guilty, for ^(B)they have sinned against the Lord, ^(C)their habitation of righteousness, the Lord, ^(D)the hope of their fathers.’

⁶ “For ^(A)you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be ^(B)a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

⁵ Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be ^(A)my treasured possession among all peoples, for ^(B)all the earth is mine; ⁶ and you shall be to me a ^(C)kingdom of priests and ^(D)a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

^16 (A)If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

⁸ For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me^[a] to the nations who plundered you, ^(A)for he who touches you touches ^(B)the apple of his eye: