Faithfulness under Persecution

(Matthew 10:16–25)

I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did [my] forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

5 

vvv I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced [is] in you as well.

6 

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God {has} not given us a spirit of fear,[fn] but of power, love, and self-control.

8 

So vvv do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, [or] of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by [the] power of God. 9 [He] has saved us and called [us] to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and [by the] grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.[fn] 10 And now He has revealed [this grace] through the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ,[fn] [who] has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed [as] a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.[fn]

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For this reason, even [though] I suffer [as I do], vvv I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what vvv I have entrusted [to Him][fn] for that day.

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