²⁸ and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is ^(A)a clear sign to them of their destruction, but ^(B)of your salvation, and that from God.

⁷ for God gave us ^(A)a spirit not of fear but ^(B)of power and love and self-control.

⁸ Therefore ^(C)do not be ashamed of ^(D)the testimony about our Lord, nor of ^(E)me his prisoner, but ^(F)share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

The Judgment at Christ's Coming

⁵ This is ^(A)evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be ^(B)considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— ⁶ since indeed God considers it ^(C)just ^(D)to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

²⁸ And ^(A)do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him ^(B)who can destroy both soul and body in hell.^[a]

¹¹ The saying is ^(A)trustworthy, for:

Suffering as a Christian

¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at ^(A)the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice ^(B)insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad ^(C)when his glory is revealed. ^14 (D)If you are insulted ^(E)for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory^[a] and of God rests upon you.

^10 (A)“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for ^(B)theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

^11 (C)“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely ^(D)on my account. ^12 (E)Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for ^(F)so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

¹⁷ and if children, then ^(A)heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, ^(B)provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.