^17 (A)Obey those who ^[a]rule over you, and be submissive, for ^(B)they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Various Exhortations

¹² And we urge you, brethren, ^(A)to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and ^[a]admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. ^(B)Be at peace among yourselves.

Honor the Elders

¹⁷ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

Concluding Religious Directions

⁷ Remember those who ^[a]rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

Submit to God, Resist the Devil

⁵ Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, ^(A)all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

^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.

^2 (A)Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, ^(B)not by compulsion but ^[a]willingly, ^(C)not for dishonest gain but eagerly; ³ nor as ^(D)being ^[b]lords over ^(E)those entrusted to you, but ^(F)being examples to the flock;

Light Bearers

¹² Therefore, my beloved, ^(A)as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, ^(B)work out your own salvation with ^(C)fear and trembling;