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;
23
for God created man for incorruption, and made him in the image of his own eternity,
24
but through the devil's envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his party experience it.
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.