³ Above all, you must understand that in the last days^(A) scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.^(B)

¹⁸ They said to you, “In the last times^(A) there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”^(B)

4 The Spirit^(A) clearly says that in later times^(B) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits^(C) and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.^(D)

¹⁰ This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire^(A) of the flesh^[a] and despise authority.

Bold and arrogant, they are not afraid to heap abuse on celestial beings;^(B)

¹⁶ These people are grumblers^(A) and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires;^(B) they boast^(C) about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

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.

²⁰ Above all, you must understand^(A) that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.^(A)