³ nor as ^(A)being ^[a]lords over ^(B)those entrusted to you, but ^(C)being examples to the flock;

⁹ not because we do not have ^(A)authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

Our Citizenship in Heaven

¹⁷ Brethren, ^(A)join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as ^(B)you have us for a pattern.

^4 (A)The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor ^(B)sought what was lost; but with ^(C)force and ^[a]cruelty you have ruled them.

⁷ in all things showing yourself to be ^(A)a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, ^(B)incorruptibility,^[a]

Take Heed to Your Ministry

¹² Let no one ^[a]despise your youth, but be an ^(A)example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, ^[b]in spirit, in faith, in purity.

²⁴ Not ^(A)that we ^[a]have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for ^(B)by faith you stand.

²⁵ But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Yet ^(A)it shall not be so among you; but ^(B)whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

⁹ I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. ¹⁰ Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, ^(A)prating^[a] against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.