8 Don’t be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.

9 God saved us and chose us

to be his holy people.

We did nothing

to deserve this,

but God planned it

because he is so kind.

Even before time began

God planned for Christ Jesus

to show kindness to us.

10 Now Christ Jesus has come

to offer us God’s gift

of undeserved grace.

Christ our Savior defeated death

and brought us

the good news.

It shines like a light

and offers life

that never ends.