Introduction^(A)

1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled^[a] among us, ² just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first^(B) were eyewitnesses^(C) and servants of the word.^{(D) 3} With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account^(E) for you, most excellent^(F) Theophilus,^{(G) 4} so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.^(H)

God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke^(A) to our ancestors through the prophets^(B) at many times and in various ways,^{(C) 2} but in these last days^(D) he has spoken to us by his Son,^(E) whom he appointed heir^(F) of all things, and through whom^(G) also he made the universe.^(H)

³ how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?^(A) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord,^(B) was confirmed to us by those who heard him.^{(C) 4} God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,^(D) and by gifts of the Holy Spirit^(E) distributed according to his will.^(F)

⁸ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,^(A) let them be under God’s curse!^{(B) 9} As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,^(C) let them be under God’s curse!

¹⁰ Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?^(D) If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul Called by God

¹¹ I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^(E) that the gospel I preached^(F) is not of human origin. ¹² I did not receive it from any man,^(G) nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation^(H) from Jesus Christ.^(I)

The Sin and Doom of Ungodly People

³ Dear friends,^(A) although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share,^(B) I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend^(C) for the faith^(D) that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.^(E)