19
O men and brothers, should we not fear the instruments of torture and consider the threats of torments, and give up this vain opinion and this arrogance that threatens to destroy us?
20
Let us take pity on our youth and have compassion on our mother's age;
21
and let us seriously consider that if we disobey we are dead!
22
Also, divine justice will excuse us for fearing the king when we are under compulsion.
23
Why do we banish ourselves from this most pleasant life and deprive ourselves of this delightful world?
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.