⁵ Though you already know all this,^(A) I want to remind you^(B) that the Lord^[a] at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe.^{(C) 6} And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.^{(D) 7} In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah^(E) and the surrounding towns^(F) gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.^(G)

⁸ In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority and heap abuse on celestial beings.^{(H) 9} But even the archangel^(I) Michael,^(J) when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses,^(K) did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”^{[b](L) 10} Yet these people slander whatever they do not understand, and the very things they do understand by instinct—as irrational animals do—will destroy them.^(M)

¹¹ Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain;^(N) they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error;^(O) they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion.^(P)

¹² These people are blemishes at your love feasts,^(Q) eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves.^(R) They are clouds without rain,^(S) blown along by the wind;^(T) autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted^(U)—twice dead.

²⁰ But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up^(A) in your most holy faith^(B) and praying in the Holy Spirit,^(C)

²¹ keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait^(A) for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.^(B)