¹⁸ Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations,^(A) just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”^{[a](B) 19} Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead^(C)—since he was about a hundred years old^(D)—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.^{(E) 20} Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened^(F) in his faith and gave glory to God,^{(G) 21} being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.^{(H) 22} This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”^{(I) 23} The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, ²⁴ but also for us,^(J) to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him^(K) who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.^{(L) 25} He was delivered over to death for our sins^(M) and was raised to life for our justification.^(N)

⁸ We do not want you to be uninformed,^(A) brothers and sisters,^[a] about the troubles we experienced^(B) in the province of Asia.^(C) We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God,^(D) who raises the dead.^{(E) 10} He has delivered us from such a deadly peril,^(F) and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope^(G) that he will continue to deliver us, ¹¹ as you help us by your prayers.^(H) Then many will give thanks^(I) on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Peace and Hope

5 Therefore, since we have been justified^(A) through faith,^(B) we^[a] have peace^(C) with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,^{(D) 2} through whom we have gained access^(E) by faith into this grace in which we now stand.^(F) And we^[b] boast in the hope^(G) of the glory of God. ³ Not only so, but we^[c] also glory in our sufferings,^(H) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^{(I) 4} perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope^(J) does not put us to shame, because God’s love^(K) has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,^(L) who has been given to us.