Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony

¹² When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am^(A) the light of the world.^(B) Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”^(C)

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness^(A) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.^{(B) 5} You are all children of the light^(C) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,^(D) but let us be awake^(E) and sober.^{(F) 7} For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.^{(G) 8} But since we belong to the day,^(H) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(I) and the hope of salvation^(J) as a helmet.^(K)

⁸ Yet I am writing you a new command;^(A) its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing^(B) and the true light^(C) is already shining.^(D)

⁷ in truthful speech^(A) and in the power of God;^(B) with weapons of righteousness^(C) in the right hand and in the left;

⁴ The weapons we fight with^(A) are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power^(B) to demolish strongholds.^(C)

¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness,^(A) but rather expose them.

¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God,^(A) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,^(B) with the breastplate of righteousness in place,^{(C) 15} and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.^{(D) 16} In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,^(E) with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.^{(F) 17} Take the helmet of salvation^(G) and the sword of the Spirit,^(H) which is the word of God.^(I)