^28 (A)Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit ^(B)has made you overseers, to shepherd the church ^[a]of God ^(C)which He purchased ^(D)with His own blood. ²⁹ For I know this, that after my departure ^(E)savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. ³⁰ Also ^(F)from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking ^[b]perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. ³¹ Therefore watch, and remember that ^(G)for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

¹⁵ This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

¹⁹ Nevertheless ^(A)the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord ^(B)knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of ^[a]Christ depart from iniquity.”

²⁰ But in a great house there are not only ^(C)vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. ²¹ Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, ^[b]sanctified and useful for the Master, ^(D)prepared for every good work. ^22 (E)Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

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.

¹¹ Beloved, ^(B)do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. ^(C)He who does good is of God, ^[b]but he who does evil has not seen ^(D)God.