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

¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(A) to suffer for doing good^(B) than for doing evil.

⁴⁰ His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged.^(A) Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing^(B) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.^(C)

²⁴ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.^(A)

²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.^(A)

²⁹ If your right eye causes you to stumble,^(A) gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to stumble,^(B) cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

¹⁰ Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward^(A) Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees^(B) and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.^(C)

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego^(A) replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver^(B) us from it, and he will deliver^(C) us^[a] from Your Majesty’s hand. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.^(D)”