The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.

These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee.

And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.

And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.

And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.