¹⁰ and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.^(A)

Christ the Power and Wisdom of God

¹⁸ For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.^(A)

² We have renounced the shameful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.^{(A) 3} And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.^(B)

⁴⁵ But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.^{[a] 46} Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? ⁴⁷ Whoever is from God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not from God.”^(A)

¹² These people, however, are like irrational animals, mere creatures of instinct, born to be caught and killed. They slander what they do not understand, and as those creatures are destroyed,^[a] they also will be destroyed,

²² Let anyone be accursed who has no love for the Lord. Our Lord, come!^[a](A)

¹⁸ For such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites,^[a] and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.^(A)

¹⁵ So it is not strange if his ministers also disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness. Their end will match their deeds.^(A)

¹⁵ For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:^(A)