18
Remember that it is through God that you have had a share in the world and have enjoyed life,
19
and therefore you ought to endure any suffering for the sake of God.
20
For his sake also our father Abraham was zealous to sacrifice his son Isaac, the ancestor of our nation; and when Isaac saw his father's hand wielding a knife and descending upon him, he did not cower.
21
Daniel the righteous was thrown to the lions, and Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were hurled into the fiery furnace and endured it for the sake of God.
22
You too must have the same faith in God and not be grieved.
23
It is unreasonable for people who have religious knowledge not to withstand pain."
24
By these words the mother of the seven encouraged and persuaded each of her sons to die rather than violate God's commandment.
25
They knew also that those who die for the sake of God live to God, as do Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the patriarchs.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.