²⁶ Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you.^{(A) 27} For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.^{(B) 28} Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock^(C) of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.^(D) Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a](E) which he bought^(F) with his own blood.^[b](G)

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead,^(A) and in view of his appearing^(B) and his kingdom, I give you this charge:^{(C) 2} Preach^(D) the word;^(E) be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke^(F) and encourage^(G)—with great patience and careful instruction.

² Be shepherds of God’s flock^(A) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;^(B) not pursuing dishonest gain,^(C) but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over^(D) those entrusted to you, but being examples^(E) to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd^(F) appears, you will receive the crown of glory^(G) that will never fade away.^(H)