¹⁹ We know that we are children of God,^(A) and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.^(B)

⁴ The god^(A) of this age^(B) has blinded^(C) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(D) who is the image of God.^(E)

⁴ You, dear children,^(A) are from God and have overcome them,^(B) because the one who is in you^(C) is greater than the one who is in the world.^{(D) 5} They are from the world^(E) and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.^(F) This is how we recognize the Spirit^[a] of truth^(G) and the spirit of falsehood.^(H)

² in which you used to live^(A) when you followed the ways of this world^(B) and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,^(C) the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.^(D)

⁴ who gave himself for our sins^(A) to rescue us from the present evil age,^(B) according to the will of our God and Father,^(C)