²⁰ First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s^[a] own interpretation,

³ First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts^(A)

⁶ We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith;^(A)

⁹ this means understanding that the law is laid down not for the righteous but for the lawless and disobedient, for the godless and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their father or mother, for murderers,^(A)

An Urgent Appeal

¹¹ Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is already the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers;^(A)

⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, so we might no longer be enslaved to sin.^(A)

³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.