1 I appeal to your spiritual leaders. I make this appeal as a spiritual leader who also witnessed Christ’s sufferings and will share in the glory that will be revealed.
2 Be shepherds over the flock God has entrusted to you. Watch over it as God does: Don’t do this because you have to, but because you want to. Don’t do it out of greed, but out of a desire to serve.
3 Don’t be rulers over the people entrusted to you, but be examples for the flock to follow.
4 Then, when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.