² and if the sign^(A) or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods”^(B) (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,”

¹³ And it performed great signs,^(A) even causing fire to come down from heaven^(B) to the earth in full view of the people. ¹⁴ Because of the signs^(C) it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived^(D) the inhabitants of the earth.^(E) It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.^(F)

⁹ The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan^(A) works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders^(B) that serve the lie, ¹⁰ and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.^(C) They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.^{(D) 11} For this reason God sends them^(E) a powerful delusion^(F) so that they will believe the lie^(G)

¹³ For such people are false apostles,^(A) deceitful^(B) workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.^{(C) 14} And no wonder, for Satan^(D) himself masquerades as an angel of light. ¹⁵ It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.^(E)

²⁴ For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders^(A) to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

²² Many will say to me on that day,^(A) ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’^{(B) 23} Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’^(C)

⁹ But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true.^(A)”

²² If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true,^(A) that is a message the Lord has not spoken.^(B) That prophet has spoken presumptuously,^(C) so do not be alarmed.

³ That same day the man of God gave a sign:^(A) “This is the sign the Lord has declared: The altar will be split apart and the ashes on it will be poured out.”