30.For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people." 31.It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32.Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. 33.Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. 34.You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.

35.So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36.You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

37.For in just a very little while,
"He who is coming will come
and will not delay.
38.But my righteous one will
live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
I will not be pleased with him."

39.But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.