²⁸ Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock^(A) of which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as overseers,^(B) to shepherd the church of God,^[a] which he purchased with his own blood.^{(C) 29} I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. ³⁰ Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them.^{(D) 31} Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for three years I never stopped warning each one of you with tears.^(E)

Final Exhortation

¹³ Be alert, stand firm in the faith,^(A) be courageous,^[a] be strong. ¹⁴ Do everything in love.^(B)

³ For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, ⁴ since the weapons of our warfare^(A) are not of the flesh, but are powerful^(B) through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments ⁵ and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge^(C) of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.

Christian Warfare

¹⁰ Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength.^{(A) 11} Put on^(B) the full armor^(C) of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh^(D) and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(E) against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil,^(F) spiritual forces in the heavens.^{(G) 13} For this reason take up the full armor^(H) of God, so that you may be able to resist^(I) in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. ¹⁴ Stand,^(J) therefore, with truth^(K) like a belt around your waist, righteousness^(L) like armor on your chest,^{(M) 15} and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In every situation take up the shield^(N) of faith^(O) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(P) 17} Take the helmet^(Q) of salvation and the sword^(R) of the Spirit^(S)—which is the word of God. ¹⁸ Pray^(T) at all times in the Spirit^(U) with every prayer and request, and stay alert^(V) with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

⁷ Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.^{(A) 8} Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.^(B)

A Call to Holy Living

¹³ Therefore, with your minds ready for action,^(A) be sober-minded^(B) and set your hope^(C) completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation^(D) of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴ As obedient children,^(E) do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. ¹⁵ But as the one who called you^(F) is holy,^(G) you also are to be holy in all your conduct;

End-Time Ethics

⁷ The end of all things is near;^(A) therefore, be alert and sober-minded^(B) for prayer. ⁸ Above all, maintain constant love^(C) for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.^[a](D)

⁷ casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.^{(A) 8} Be sober-minded,^(B) be alert.^(C) Your adversary the devil^(D) is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(E) firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.