Brothers, be imitators together of me, and mark those who walk this way, for you have us for a pattern.
Do those things which you have also learned and received and heard and seen in me. And the God of peace shall be with you.
Therefore I beseech you, be imitators of me.
nor as lording it over those allotted to you by God, but becoming examples to the flock.
(not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example to you, to imitate us).
Remember those leading you, who have spoken to you the Word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end of their conduct:
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us. For we did not behave ourselves disorderly among you,
Give no offense, either to the Jews, or to the Greeks or to the church of God;
And if anyone does not obey our word by this letter, mark that one and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, welcoming the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
And I exhort you, brothers, to watch those making divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them.
Watch the perfect and behold the upright one; for the end of that man is peace.
Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.