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

^3 (A)Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, ^(B)unless the rebellion comes first, and ^(C)the man of lawlessness^[a] is revealed, ^(D)the son of destruction,^{[b] 4} who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, ^(E)proclaiming himself to be God.

Godlessness in the Last Days

3 But understand this, that ^(A)in the last days there will come times of difficulty. ² For people will be ^(B)lovers of self, ^(C)lovers of money, ^(D)proud, ^(E)arrogant, abusive, ^(F)disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ^3 (G)heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, ^(H)not loving good, ⁴ treacherous, reckless, ^(I)swollen with conceit, ^(J)lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having the appearance of godliness, but ^(K)denying its power. ^(L)Avoid such people.