⁴⁴ You belong to your father, the devil,^(A) and you want to carry out your father’s desires.^(B) He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.^(C)

¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom^(A) and does not understand it, the evil one^(B) comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

²⁵ Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^{(A) 26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(B) who has taken them captive to do his will.

⁴ The god^(A) of this age^(B) has blinded^(C) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(D) who is the image of God.^(E)

⁹ “How can this be?”^(A) Nicodemus asked.

¹⁰ “You are Israel’s teacher,”^(B) said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?