²⁶ I write these things to you about ^(A)those who are trying to deceive you.

False Prophets and Teachers

2 But ^(A)false prophets also arose among the people, ^(B)just as there will be false teachers among you, who will ^(C)secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master ^(D)who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. ² And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth ^(E)will be blasphemed. ³ And ^(F)in their greed they will exploit you ^(G)with false words. ^(H)Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

⁷ For ^(A)many deceivers ^(B)have gone out into the world, ^(C)those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.

⁷ Little children, ^(A)let no one deceive you. ^(B)Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.

²⁹ I ^(A)know that after my departure ^(B)fierce wolves will come in among you, ^(C)not sparing the flock; ³⁰ and ^(D)from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

^22 (A)For false christs and false prophets will arise and ^(B)perform signs and wonders, ^(C)to lead astray, if possible, ^(D)the elect.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive by ^(A)philosophy and ^(B)empty deceit, according to ^(C)human tradition, according to the ^(D)elemental spirits^[a] of the world, and not according to Christ.

¹³ For such men are ^(A)false apostles, ^(B)deceitful workmen, ^(C)disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as ^(D)an angel of light. ¹⁵ So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as ^(E)servants of righteousness. ^(F)Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Some Will Depart from the Faith

4 Now ^(A)the Spirit expressly says that ^(B)in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to ^(C)deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,