¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,^(A) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(B) 17} Take the helmet of salvation^(C) and the sword of the Spirit,^(D) which is the word of God.^(E)

¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit^(F) on all occasions^(G) with all kinds of prayers and requests.^(H) With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying^(I) for all the Lord’s people. ¹⁹ Pray also for me,^(J) that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly^(K) make known the mystery^(L) of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador^(M) in chains.^(N) Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

A Call to Persevere

¹⁷ But, dear friends, remember what the apostles^(A) of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.^{(B) 18} They said to you, “In the last times^(C) there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”^{(D) 19} These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.^(E)

²⁰ But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up^(F) in your most holy faith^(G) and praying in the Holy Spirit,^{(H) 21} keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait^(I) for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.^(J)

²² Be merciful to those who doubt; ²³ save others by snatching them from the fire;^(K) to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.^[a](L)

Doxology

²⁴ To him who is able^(M) to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence^(N) without fault^(O) and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God^(P) our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!^(Q) Amen.^(R)