Taming the Tongue

3 Not many of you should become teachers,^(A) my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged^(B) more strictly.^(C)

⁹ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery,^(A) which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. ¹⁰ His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God^(B) should be made known^(C) to the rulers and authorities^(D) in the heavenly realms,^{(E) 11} according to his eternal purpose^(F) that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

To the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder^(A) and a witness^(B) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:^{(C) 2} Be shepherds of God’s flock^(D) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;^(E) not pursuing dishonest gain,^(F) but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over^(G) those entrusted to you, but being examples^(H) to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd^(I) appears, you will receive the crown of glory^(J) that will never fade away.^(K)

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