⁸ For if we ^(A)live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but ^(A)with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life ^(B)or by death.

^10 (A)who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

²³ But ^(A)each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

¹³ Then Paul answered, ^(A)“What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven saying ^[a]to me, “Write: ^(A)‘Blessed are the dead ^(B)who die in the Lord from now on.’ ”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, ^(C)“that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow ^(D)them.”

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

^24 [a]But ^(A)none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, ^(B)so that I may finish my ^[b]race with joy, ^(C)and the ministry ^(D)which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

¹⁴ For ^(A)if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him ^(B)those who ^[a]sleep in Jesus.

¹⁵ For this we say to you ^(C)by the word of the Lord, that ^(D)we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are ^[b]asleep. ¹⁶ For ^(E)the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with ^(F)the trumpet of God. ^(G)And the dead in Christ will rise first. ^17 (H)Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them ^(I)in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus ^(J)we shall always be with the Lord. ^18 (K)Therefore comfort one another with these words.