¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters.

Hearing and Doing the Word

¹⁹ You must understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger,^(A)

Shining as Lights in the World

¹² Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling,^(A)

⁵ Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?^(A)

⁸ Watch out that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental principles^[a] of the world, and not according to Christ.^(A)

⁴ I am saying this so that no one may deceive you with plausible arguments.

⁷ Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.^(A)

Service Well-Pleasing to God

13 Let mutual affection continue.

¹⁸ who have swerved from the truth, saying resurrection^[a] has already occurred. They are upsetting the faith of some.^(A)

4 ¹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.