⁷ in all things, offering yourself as a model of good works and in your teaching offering integrity, gravity,

³ Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock.^(A)

¹² Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.^(A)

² We have renounced the shameful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.^(A)

¹⁰ to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless,

⁹ This was not because we do not have that right but in order to give you an example to imitate.^(A)

²⁴ Grace be with all who have an undying love for^[a] our Lord Jesus Christ.^[b]

The Postponement of Paul’s Visit

¹² Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with holiness^[a] and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God—and all the more toward you.^(A)

¹⁷ For we are not peddlers of God’s word like so many,^[a] but as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God, we are speaking in Christ before God.^(A)

⁸ I do not say this as a command, but I am, by mentioning the eagerness of others, testing the genuineness of your love.^(A)