Test the Spirits

4 Beloved, ^(A)do not believe every spirit, but ^(B)test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for ^(C)many ^(D)false prophets ^(E)have gone out into the world.

²¹ but ^(A)test everything; hold fast what is good.

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.

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.

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,

⁴ And Jesus answered them, ^(A)“See that no one leads you astray. ⁵ For ^(B)many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am ^(C)the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.

Warning Concerning Antichrists

¹⁸ Children, ^(A)it is the last hour, and as you have heard that ^(B)antichrist is coming, so now ^(C)many antichrists have come. ^(D)Therefore we know that it is the last hour.

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

A Tree and Its Fruit

^15 (A)“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ^(B)ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will recognize them ^(C)by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?