¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you,^(C) persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.^{(D) 12} Rejoice and be glad,^(E) because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.^(F)

³ Not only so, but we^[a] also glory in our sufferings,^(A) because we know that suffering produces perseverance;^(B)

¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight^(A) in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,^(B) in persecutions,^(C) in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(D)

³⁴ You suffered along with those in prison^(A) and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.^(B)

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds,^(A)

¹³ But rejoice^(A) inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ,^(B) so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.^{(C) 14} If you are insulted because of the name of Christ,^(D) you are blessed,^(E) for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.^(F)