¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundations,^(A) and on them were the names of the twelve apostles^(B) of the Lamb.

¹⁰ For he was looking forward to the city^(A) with foundations,^(B) whose architect and builder is God.^(C)

²⁰ built^(A) on the foundation^(B) of the apostles and prophets,^(C) with Christ Jesus himself^(D) as the chief cornerstone.^(E)

¹⁹ The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.^(A) The first foundation was jasper,^(B) the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby,^(C) the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.^{[a] 21} The twelve gates^(D) were twelve pearls,^(E) each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.^(F)

A Call to Persevere

¹⁷ But, dear friends, remember what the apostles^(A) of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.^(B)

⁵ which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.^(A)

¹⁰ By the grace God has given me,^(A) I laid a foundation^(B) as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.^(C)