⁵ For what we preach is not ourselves,^(A) but Jesus Christ as Lord,^(B) and ourselves as your servants^(C) for Jesus’ sake.

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)

⁵ You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed^(A)—God is our witness.^{(B) 6} We were not looking for praise from people,^(C) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(D) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^(E)

²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(A) a stumbling block^(B) to Jews and foolishness^(C) to Gentiles,

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.^(A) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a];^(B) rather, serve one another^(C) humbly in love.

³ In their greed^(A) these teachers will exploit you^(B) with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

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)

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves^(I) to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility^(J) toward one another, because,

¹¹ They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households^(A) by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.