Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

¹² Now these are the genealogies of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian slave-girl, bore to Abraham. ¹³ These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names according to their descendants: Ishmael’s firstborn, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, ¹⁴ Mishma, Dumah, Massa, ¹⁵ Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedem. ¹⁶ These are Ishmael’s sons and these are their names, by their unwalled and walled settlements, twelve princes according to their clans. ¹⁷ These are the years of Ishmael’s life: 137 years. He breathed his last, died and was gathered to his peoples. ¹⁸ Then they dwelled from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt as you go toward Assyria. Over against all his brothers he fell.

Smyrna: Do Not Fear Satan’s Testing

⁸ To the angel of Messiah’s community in Smyrna write: “Thus says the First and Last, who was dead and came to life. ⁹ I know your tribulation and your poverty (yet you are rich), as well as the slander of those who say they are Jewish and are not, but are a synagogue of satan. ¹⁰ Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. ^{[a] 11} He who has an ear, let him hear what the Ruach is saying to Messiah’s communities. The one who overcomes shall never be harmed by the second death.”