16 These are grumblers, malcontents, ^qfollowing their own sinful desires; ^rthey are loud-mouthed boasters, ^sshowing favoritism to gain advantage.

17 But you must ^tremember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They¹ said to you, ^u“In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, ^vdevoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, ^wbuilding yourselves up in your most holy faith and ^xpraying in the Holy Spirit, 21 ^ykeep yourselves in the love of God, ^zwaiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by ^asnatching them out of ^bthe fire; to others show mercy ^cwith fear, hating even ^dthe garment² stained by the flesh.