¹⁹ We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable,^(A) and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light^(B) shining in a dark place, until the day dawns^(C) and the morning star^(D) rises in your hearts.^{(E) 20} Above all, you must understand^(F) that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God^(G) as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.^(H)

False Teachers and Their Destruction

2 But there were also false prophets^(I) among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.^(J) They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord^(K) who bought them^(L)—bringing swift destruction on themselves. ² Many will follow their depraved conduct^(M) and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. ³ In their greed^(N) these teachers will exploit you^(O) with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.