⁸ If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.^(A)

²⁰ I eagerly expect^(A) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(B) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(C) whether by life or by death.^(D)

¹⁰ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.^(A)

²³ But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits;^(A) then, when he comes,^(B) those who belong to him.^(C)

¹³ Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die^(A) in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”^(B)

¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord^(A) from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit,^(B) “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(A) on the sacrifice^(B) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^(C)

²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me;^(A) my only aim is to finish the race^(B) and complete the task^(C) the Lord Jesus has given me^(D)—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.^(E)

¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,^(A) and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.^{(B) 15} According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,^(C) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.^{(D) 16} For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,^(E) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel^(F) and with the trumpet call of God,^(G) and the dead in Christ will rise first.^{(H) 17} After that, we who are still alive and are left^(I) will be caught up together with them in the clouds^(J) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord^(K) forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another^(L) with these words.