⁷ For we do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.^{(A) 8} If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. ⁹ For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.^(B)

³⁸ Now he is God not of the dead but of the living, for to him all of them are alive.”^(A)

⁴³ He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”^(A)

⁵⁹ While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”^(A)

⁸ Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

²⁰ It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way but that by my speaking with all boldness Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death.^{(A) 21} For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. ²² If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. ²³ I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better,^{(B) 24} but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.

⁹ When he broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slaughtered for the word of God and for the testimony they had given;^(A)