⁸ A second angel^[a] followed, saying: “It has fallen, Babylon the Great has fallen,^[b] who made all nations drink the wine of her sexual immorality,^[c] which brings wrath.”^(A)

⁹ And a third angel^[d] followed them and spoke with a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰ he will also drink the wine of God’s wrath, which is mixed full strength in the cup of His anger.^(B) He will be tormented with fire and sulfur^(C) in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb, ¹¹ and the smoke of their torment will go up forever and ever.^(D) There is no rest^[e] day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or anyone who receives the mark of his name. ¹² This demands the perseverance^[f] of the saints,^(E) who keep God’s commands and their faith in Jesus.”^[g]

¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write: The dead who die in the Lord from now on are blessed.”^(F)

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “let them rest from their labors, for their works follow them!”

Trials and Maturity

² Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,^{(A) 3} knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

⁵ Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.^(B)

⁶ Together with Christ Jesus He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens,^{(A) 7} so that in the coming ages^(B) He might display the immeasurable riches^(C) of His grace through His kindness^(D) to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For you are saved by grace^(E) through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are His creation, created^(F) in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time^(G) so that we should walk in them.