2 ¹ Thus we are bound to pay all the more heed to what we have been told, for fear of drifting from our course. 2 ² For if the word spoken through angels had such force that any transgression or disobedience met with due retribution, 2 ³ what escape can there be for us if we ignore a deliverance so great? For this deliverance was first announced through the lips of the Lord himself; those who heard him confirmed it to us, 2 ⁴ and God added his testimony by signs, by miracles, by manifold works of power, and by distributing the gifts of the Holy Spirit at his own will.