For if the message spoken through angels ¹  proved to be so firm that every violation ²  or disobedience received its just penalty,

Remind me of what happened! Let’s debate! You, prove to me that you are right! ¹ 

and I died. So ¹  I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life brought death! ² 

For if I have boasted to him about anything concerning you, I have not been embarrassed by you, ¹  but just as everything we said to you was true, ²  so our boasting to Titus about you ³  has proved true as well.

I have examined all this by wisdom; I said, “I am determined ¹  to comprehend this” ²  – but it was beyond my grasp. ³ 

Which of these three do you think became a neighbor ¹  to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

For ¹  you, O God, tested us; you purified us like refined silver.

where your ancestors challenged my authority, ¹  and tried my patience, even though they had seen my work.

until the time when his prediction ¹  came true. The Lord’s word ²  proved him right. ³ 

So the warden ¹  agreed to their proposal ²  and tested them for ten ³  days.

In your distress you called out and I rescued you. I answered you from a dark thundercloud. ¹  I tested you at the waters of Meribah. ²  (Selah)

And we are sending ¹  with them our brother whom we have tested many times and found eager in many matters, but who now is much more eager than ever because of the great confidence he has in you.

And Jesus who is called Justus also sends greetings. In terms of Jewish converts, ¹  these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.

in that ¹  our gospel did not come to you merely in words, ²  but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you). ³ 

For now ¹  you have become like these streams that are no help; ²  you see a terror, ³  and are afraid.

And these also must be tested first and then let them serve as deacons if they are found blameless.

For see what this very thing, this sadness ¹  as God intended, has produced in you: what eagerness, what defense of yourselves, ²  what indignation, ³  what alarm, what longing, what deep concern, ⁴  what punishment! ⁵  In everything you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

Absolutely not! Let God be proven true, and every human being ¹  shown up as a liar, ²  just as it is written: “so that you will be justified ³  in your words and will prevail when you are judged.” ⁴ 

Such trials show the proven character of your faith, ¹  which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away ²  – and will bring praise ³  and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁴ 

You will be tested in this way: As surely as Pharaoh lives, ¹  you will not depart from this place unless your youngest brother comes here.