³ knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come ^(A)in the last days with scoffing, ^(B)following their own sinful desires.

Some Will Depart from the Faith

4 Now ^(A)the Spirit expressly says that ^(B)in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to ^(C)deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ² through the insincerity of ^(D)liars whose consciences are seared, ^3 (E)who forbid marriage and ^(F)require abstinence from foods ^(G)that God created ^(H)to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

¹⁶ But rise and ^(A)stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, ^(B)to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, ^17 (C)delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—^(D)to whom I ^(E)am sending you ^18 (F)to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from ^(G)the power of Satan to God, that they may receive ^(H)forgiveness of sins and ^(I)a place among those who are sanctified ^(J)by faith in me.’

¹⁹ “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to ^(K)the heavenly vision, ²⁰ but declared first ^(L)to those in Damascus, ^(M)then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also ^(N)to the Gentiles, that they should ^(O)repent and ^(P)turn to God, performing deeds ^(Q)in keeping with their repentance.

²⁶ Therefore ^(A)I testify to you this day that ^(B)I am innocent of the blood of all, ²⁷ for ^(C)I did not shrink from declaring to you ^(D)the whole counsel of God.

^21 (A)testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of ^(B)repentance toward God and of ^(C)faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.^[a]