¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh,^(A) the lust of the eyes,^(B) and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

True and False Prophets

¹⁵ “Watch out for false prophets.^(A) They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.^{(B) 16} By their fruit you will recognize them.^(C) Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?^{(D) 17} Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.^{(E) 19} Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.^{(F) 20} Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

²⁶ Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.^{(A) 27} For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.^{(B) 28} Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock^(C) of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.^(D) Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a](E) which he bought^(F) with his own blood.^{[b](G) 29} I know that after I leave, savage wolves^(H) will come in among you and will not spare the flock.^{(I) 30} Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples^(J) after them. ³¹ So be on your guard! Remember that for three years^(K) I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.^(L)

³² “Now I commit you to God^(M) and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance^(N) among all those who are sanctified.^{(O) 33} I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.^{(P) 34} You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.^{(Q) 35} In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

⁶ Jesus answered, “I am^(A) the way^(B) and the truth^(C) and the life.^(D) No one comes to the Father except through me.^(E)

³⁰ Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples^(A) after them.

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ^(A) and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.^(B) The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,^(C) who loved me^(D) and gave himself for me.^(E)

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind.^(A) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(B) like a roaring lion^(C) looking for someone to devour.