⁴ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.^(A)

¹¹ These things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us, on whom the ends of the ages have come.^(A)

¹⁶ All scripture is inspired by God and is^[a] useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,^{(A) 17} so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.^(B)

²³ Now the words, “it was reckoned to him,” were written not for his sake alone^{(A) 24} but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe^[a] in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,^(B)

²⁰ First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s^[a] own interpretation, ²¹ because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.^[b](A)

³⁵ Do not, therefore, abandon that boldness of yours; it brings a great reward. ³⁶ For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised.^(A)

⁹ For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned?^{(A) 10} Or does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was indeed written for our sake, for whoever plows should plow in hope and whoever threshes should thresh in hope of a share in the crop.

¹² Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer.^(A)

²⁴ For in^[a] hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

A Call to Holy Living

¹³ Therefore prepare your minds for action;^[a] discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.^(A)