⁷ Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you when he said:

¹¹ The people here were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, since they received the word with eagerness and examined^[a] the Scriptures^(A) daily to see if these things were so.

⁸ Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition,^(A) based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.^(B)

²² All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines.

Reception and Opposition to the Message

¹³ This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is,^(A) the word of God,^(B) which also works effectively in you who believe.

¹⁹ We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place,^(A) until the day dawns^(B) and the morning star^(C) rises in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, ²¹ because no prophecy ever came by the will of man;^(D) instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.^(E)

¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God^[a](A) and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness,