For whatever was previously written was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Epaphras greets you. He is one of you, a servant of Christ, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand mature and complete in the entire will of God.
Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death. He was heard because of His godly fear.
Therefore be patient, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Notice how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until he receives the early and late rain.
“He who is to be taken captive, into captivity he shall go; he who kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed.” Here is a call for the patience and the faith of the saints.