You are contentious, brothers and sisters, and zealous about the things that belong to salvation.
You have carefully studied the sacred Scriptures, which are true and come through the Holy Spirit.
You know that nothing unjust or falsified is written in them. You will not find righteous people cast out by holy men.
The righteous were persecuted, but by lawless people; they were imprisoned, but by the unholy; they were stoned by transgressors; they were killed by those who had taken up foul and unrighteous jealousy.
When they suffered these things, they endured them gloriously.
For what shall we say, brothers and sisters? Was Daniel thrown into the lions' den by those who feared God?
Or were Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael shut up in a fiery furnace by those who practiced the majestic and glorious worship of the Most High? May it never be! Who, then, were those who did these things? Hateful people, full of every kind of wickedness, were stirred to such a pitch of rage that they subjected to torment those who served God with a holy and blameless purpose, not knowing that the Most High is the champion and defender of those who worship His all-virtuous name with a pure conscience. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
But those who endured with confidence inherited glory and honor; they were exalted and were enrolled by God in His memorial forever and ever. Amen.