1 Paul and Timothy,^(A) servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people^(B) in Christ Jesus at Philippi,^(C) together with the overseers^(D) and deacons^[a]:^(E)

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.

¹¹ So Christ himself gave^(A) the apostles,^(B) the prophets,^(C) the evangelists,^(D) the pastors and teachers,^(E)

¹² See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.^{(A) 13} But encourage one another daily,^(B) as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.^(C)

⁷ Remember your leaders,^(A) who spoke the word of God^(B) to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate^(C) their faith.

¹⁷ Have confidence in your leaders^(A) and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you^(B) as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.