¹⁵ But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(A) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(B) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^(E)

¹¹ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica,^(A) for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures^(B) every day to see if what Paul said was true.^(C)

³ It gave me great joy when some believers^(A) came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it.^{(B) 4} I have no greater joy than to hear that my children^(C) are walking in the truth.^(D)

The Sin and Doom of Ungodly People

³ Dear friends,^(A) although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share,^(B) I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend^(C) for the faith^(D) that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.^(E)

⁸ They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear^[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.