²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

⁷ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid,^(A) but gives us power,^(B) love and self-discipline. ⁸ So do not be ashamed^(C) of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner.^(D) Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel,^(E) by the power of God.

⁵ All this is evidence^(A) that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy^(B) of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God is just:^(C) He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you^(D)

²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One^(A) who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

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.

¹¹ Here is a trustworthy saying:^(A)

¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs^(A)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings^(B) in order that we may also share in his glory.^(C)

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you,^(C) persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.^{(D) 12} Rejoice and be glad,^(E) because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.^(F)