Add parallel Print Page Options

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

Read full chapter

Faith and Endurance

Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1:2 Greek brothers; also in 1:16, 19.

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Read full chapter

14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.

Read full chapter

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Read full chapter

17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

Read full chapter

22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.

Read full chapter

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”[a]) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 8:36 Ps 44:22.

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Read full chapter

19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.

Read full chapter

17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[a] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2:17 Greek I will rejoice even if I am to be poured out as a liquid offering.

13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.

Read full chapter

23 Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. 24 Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. 26 I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not.[a] 27 I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

28 Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?

30 If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 11:26 Greek from false brothers.

41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.[a]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 5:41 Greek for the name.

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
    for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

Read full chapter

16 But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! 17 For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News?

Read full chapter

29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

NLT Hosanna Revival Notetaking Bible--hardcover, Cordova
NLT Hosanna Revival Notetaking Bible--hardcover, Cordova
Retail: $59.90
Our Price: $47.99
Save: $11.91 (20%)
NLT Children's Outreach Bible, Softcover
NLT Children's Outreach Bible, Softcover
Retail: $5.49
Our Price: $2.99
Save: $2.50 (46%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
My First Hands-on Bible--soft leather-look, bold blue
My First Hands-on Bible--soft leather-look, bold blue
Retail: $19.99
Our Price: $14.99
Save: $5.00 (25%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars
NLT The Life Recovery Bible, Softcover
NLT The Life Recovery Bible, Softcover
Retail: $27.99
Our Price: $18.00
Save: $9.99 (36%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars