⁴ And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.^(A)

The Believers Pray

²³ On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy^(A) when the body of elders^(B) laid their hands on you.^(C)

³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.^(A) He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.^(B)

⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.^(A)

²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock^(A) of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.^(B) Be shepherds of the church of God,^[a](C) which he bought^(D) with his own blood.^[b](E)

⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;^(A)

⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;^(A) if it is giving, then give generously;^(B) if it is to lead,^[a] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

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.