Colossians 2:4 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)4 I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments. See the chapterMore versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 17694 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. See the chapterAmplified Bible - Classic Edition4 I say this in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech. See the chapterAmerican Standard Version (1901)4 This I say, that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. See the chapterCommon English Bible4 I’m telling you this so that no one deceives you with convincing arguments, See the chapterCatholic Public Domain Version4 Now I say this, so that no one may deceive you with grandiose words. See the chapter |
And I did not use persuasive words of [human] wisdom in my message and preaching, but they were [accompanied by] a demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power [from God]. [Note: This “demonstration” could have included the evidence of miraculous spiritual gifts which Paul utilized while there in Corinth. See 14:18].
Do not allow anyone, who delights in acting humble [i.e., living an ascetic life] and who worships angels, to rob you of your reward [in heaven]. [Note: This “angel worship” could mean holding angels in high regard because of their role as God’s messengers, or the claim that God can be approached only through angelic intermediaries]. He places great importance on what he [claims to] see [i.e., visions], being inflated with pride by his fleshly mind for no [good] reason.
Dear children, it is [now] the last hour [i.e., the final period of God’s dealing with people on earth], and since you have heard that an antichrist [i.e., a person who is against Christ] is coming, even now [you should be aware that] many antichrists have [already] come. This is [one way] we know that this is the last hour.
Loved ones, do not believe [the message of] every spirit [i.e., every person claiming to be a teacher], but test the spirits [i.e., require proof that they and their message are genuine] to see whether they represent God [or not], because many false prophets have begun circulating throughout the world.
And everyone who lives on earth will worship the beast, [even those] people whose names had not been recorded in the book of life belonging to the Lamb, who was killed [i.e., in prospect] from the creation of the world. [Note: This sentence could also read “...not been recorded from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed”].
and he will [again] go out to deceive the nations which are [located] throughout the whole world --- Gog and Magog. [Note: Based on Eze. 35-40, it appears that these names are used here figuratively for all the forces of wickedness which are enemies of God]. Satan will assemble them together for battle and they will be as numberless as the sand on the seashore.