⁴² Nevertheless many, even of the authorities, believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue,^(A)

²² His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus^[a] to be the Messiah^[b] would be put out of the synagogue.^(A)

¹³ Yet no one would speak openly about him for fear of the Jews.^(A)

³² “Everyone, therefore, who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven,^(A)

¹⁵ God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God.^(A)

² By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.^{(A) 14} If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory,^[a] which is the Spirit of God,^[b] is resting on you.^{[c](B) 15} But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief maker.^{[d](C) 16} Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name.^[e]

¹⁰ For one believes^[a] with the heart, leading to righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, leading to salvation.