¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”^(A)

¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs^(A)—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings^(B) in order that we may also share in his glory.^(C)

Present Suffering and Future Glory

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.^{(D) 19} For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God^(E) to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it,^(F) in hope ²¹ that^[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay^(G) and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.^(H)

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning^(I) as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,^(J) groan^(K) inwardly as we wait eagerly^(L) for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.^(M)

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit^(A) himself intercedes for us^(B) through wordless groans.

¹² We work hard with our own hands.^(A) When we are cursed, we bless;^(B) when we are persecuted,^(C) we endure it;

¹³ when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage^(A) of the world—right up to this moment.

⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings,^(A) so also you share in our comfort.

Present Weakness and Resurrection Life

4 Therefore, since through God’s mercy^(A) we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.^(B)