Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

¹² My dear brothers, do not be surprised by the hard trouble like fire that comes to test you. Do not think some new thing is happening to you.

¹³ Be glad when you suffer as Christ did. Then you will also be very glad when he comes and you see how great he is.

¹⁴ Do men say wrong things about you because you are a Christian? Then you are blessed because the wonderful Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you.

¹⁵ Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not do wrong. Do not try to boss other people. None of you should suffer because you have done these things.

¹⁶ But if a man suffers because he is a Christian, he should not be ashamed of it. He should praise God that he is a Christian.

¹⁷ The time has come for God to judge people. God's people will be judged first. If we are judged first, what will happen at the end to those who do not obey the good news of God?

¹⁸ The holy writings say, `If it is hard for a good person to be saved, what will happen to a person who is against God and lives a bad life?'

¹⁹ If God allows you to suffer, trust him. He made you and you can trust him. But keep on doing good things.