⁴ Not at all! Let God be true,^(A) and every human being a liar.^(B) As it is written:

⁴⁸ There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them^(A) at the last day.

⁶ Let no one deceive you^(A) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath^(B) comes on those who are disobedient.^{(C) 7} Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once^(D) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light^{(E) 9} (for the fruit^(F) of the light consists in all goodness,^(G) righteousness and truth)

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(A) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world^(B) rather than on Christ.

Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am^(A) the light of the world.^(B) Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”^(C)

⁴ In him was life,^(A) and that life was the light^(B) of all mankind. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness,^(C) and the darkness has not overcome^[a] it.^(D)