² Many will follow their depraved conduct^(A) and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

²⁴ As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”^[a](A)

¹⁰ Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.^(A)

¹⁴ Because of the signs^(A) it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived^(B) the inhabitants of the earth.^(C) It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.^(D)

¹⁵ to judge^(A) everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”^[a](B)

¹⁵ They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam^(A) son of Bezer,^[a] who loved the wages of wickedness.

¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds^(A) and glorify God^(B) on the day he visits us.

⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.^(A)

¹⁴ However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors^(A) as a follower of the Way,^(B) which they call a sect.^(C) I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,^(D)