30. For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people. [Deut. 32:35, 36.]
31. It is a fearful (formidable and terrible) thing to incur the divine penalties and be cast into the hands of the living God!
32. But be ever mindful of the days gone by in which, after you were first spiritually enlightened, you endured a great and painful struggle,
33. Sometimes being yourselves a gazingstock, publicly exposed to insults and abuse and distress, and sometimes claiming fellowship and making common cause with others who were so treated.