Study Desk

partly by being made a public spectacle through insults and distress, and partly by becoming companions with those who were so treated.

By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;

choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin,

By faith the prostitute Rahab did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented

Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let's rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let's run with endurance the race that is set before us,

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

Pursue peace with all people, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

For you know that even afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

For they could not cope with the command, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned."

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let's show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are badly treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER ABANDON YOU,"

And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Obey your leaders and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.

Know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you.

Grace be with you all.

For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so also the rich person, in the midst of his pursuits, will die out.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.