²⁵ “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom^(A) will ever see me again.^{(B) 26} Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.^{(C) 27} For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.^{(D) 28} Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock^(E) of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.^(F) Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a](G) which he bought^(H) with his own blood.^{[b](I) 29} I know that after I leave, savage wolves^(J) will come in among you and will not spare the flock.^{(K) 30} Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples^(L) after them. ³¹ So be on your guard! Remember that for three years^(M) I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.^(N)

³² “Now I commit you to God^(O) and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance^(P) among all those who are sanctified.^(Q)

To the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder^(A) and a witness^(B) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:^{(C) 2} Be shepherds of God’s flock^(D) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;^(E) not pursuing dishonest gain,^(F) but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over^(G) those entrusted to you, but being examples^(H) to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd^(I) appears, you will receive the crown of glory^(J) that will never fade away.^(K)