⁴ This matter arose because some false believers^(A) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on^(B) the freedom^(C) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.

² Watch out for those dogs,^(A) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision,^(B) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(C) and who put no confidence in the flesh—

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.

False Teachers and Their Destruction

2 But there were also false prophets^(A) among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.^(B) They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord^(C) who bought them^(D)—bringing swift destruction on themselves. ² Many will follow their depraved conduct^(E) and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

¹⁹ They went out from us,^(A) but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us.^(B)

⁷ I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ^(A) as coming in the flesh,^(B) have gone out into the world.^(C) Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.^{(D) 8} Watch out that you do not lose what we^[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.^{(E) 9} Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ^(F) does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.^{(G) 10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.^(H)

¹⁹ These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.^(A)