¹¹ For this reason God sends them^(A) a powerful delusion^(B) so that they will believe the lie^(C)

²⁸ Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over^(A) to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

³⁹ For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:

⁴¹ Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory^(B) and spoke about him.^(C)

⁴² Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him.^(D) But because of the Pharisees^(E) they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;^{(F) 43} for they loved human praise^(G) more than praise from God.^(H)

4 The Spirit^(A) clearly says that in later times^(B) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits^(C) and things taught by demons.

¹¹ and many false prophets^(A) will appear and deceive many people.^(B)

²¹ For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.^{(A) 22} Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools^{(B) 23} and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images^(C) made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

²⁴ Therefore God gave them over^(D) in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.^{(E) 25} They exchanged the truth about God for a lie,^(F) and worshiped and served created things^(G) rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.^(H) Amen.^(I)

³ For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,^(A) nor are we trying to trick you.^(B)