²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.^(A) “We must go through many hardships^(B) to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

³² Remember those earlier days after you had received the light,^(A) when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.^(B)

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.^(C) For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline^(D)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits^(E) and live!^{(F) 10} They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.^{(G) 11} No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace^(H) for those who have been trained by it.

²⁰ The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. ²¹ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.^(A)

⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast^(A) about your perseverance and faith^(B) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.^(C)