³ not lording it over^(A) those entrusted to you, but being examples^(B) to the flock.

⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,^(A) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^(B)

¹⁷ Join together in following my example,^(A) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.^(B)

⁴ You have not strengthened the weak or healed^(A) the sick or bound up^(B) the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.^(C)

⁷ In everything set them an example^(A) by doing what is good.^(B) In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you^(A) because you are young, but set an example^(B) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^(C) and in purity.

²⁴ Not that we lord it over^(A) your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.^(B)

²⁵ Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,^(A)

⁹ I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. ¹⁰ So when I come,^(A) I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers.^(B) He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.^(C)

⁵ because our gospel^(A) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(B) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know^(C) how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶ You became imitators of us^(D) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering^(E) with the joy^(F) given by the Holy Spirit.^(G)