Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.

God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should entrust their souls to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.