²³ Therefore those who lived unrighteously, in a life of folly,
you tormented through their own abominations.^(A)

²⁴ For they went far astray on the paths of error,
accepting as gods those animals that even their enemies^[a] despised;
they were deceived like foolish infants.^(A)

²⁷ For when in their suffering they became incensed
at those creatures that they had thought to be gods, being punished by means of them,
they saw and recognized as the true God the one whom they had before refused to know.
Therefore the utmost condemnation came upon them.^(A)