21
And 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 in God, as do Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the patriarchs.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.