³² They were amazed at his teaching,^(A) because his words had authority.^(B)

³⁶ All the people were amazed^(A) and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority^(B) and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!”

²⁸ When Jesus had finished saying these things,^(A) the crowds were amazed at his teaching,^{(B) 29} because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

⁶³ The Spirit gives life;^(A) the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit^[a] and life.

¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^{(E) 13} Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.^(F) Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

¹⁵ These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

⁴ The weapons we fight with^(A) are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power^(B) to demolish strongholds.^{(C) 5} We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,^(D) and we take captive every thought to make it obedient^(E) to Christ.

⁵ because our gospel^(A) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(B) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know^(C) how we lived among you for your sake.

² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways;^(A) we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.^(B) On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience^(C) in the sight of God.