²⁶ I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.^(A)

False Teachers and Their Destruction

2 But there were also false prophets^(A) among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.^(B) They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord^(C) who bought them^(D)—bringing swift destruction on themselves. ² Many will follow their depraved conduct^(E) and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. ³ In their greed^(F) these teachers will exploit you^(G) with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

⁷ I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ^(A) as coming in the flesh,^(B) have gone out into the world.^(C) Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.^(D)

⁷ Dear children,^(A) do not let anyone lead you astray.^(B) The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.^(C)

²⁹ I know that after I leave, savage wolves^(A) will come in among you and will not spare the flock.^{(B) 30} Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples^(C) after them.

²² For false messiahs and false prophets^(A) will appear and perform signs and wonders^(B) to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

4 The Spirit^(A) clearly says that in later times^(B) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits^(C) and things taught by demons.

¹³ while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse,^(A) deceiving and being deceived.^(B)