18
for if the righteous man is God's son, he will help him, and will deliver him from the hand of his adversaries.
19
Let us test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is, and make trial of his forbearance.
20
Let us condemn him to a shameful death, for, according to what he says, he will be protected."
21
Thus they reasoned, but they were led astray, for their wickedness blinded them,
22
and they did not know the secret purposes of God, nor hope for the wages of holiness, nor discern the prize for blameless souls;
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.