15. For even if you have 10,000 guardians in your Christian life, you have only one father. For in your life in union with Christ Jesus I have become your father by bringing the Good News to you.
16. I beg you, then, to follow my example.
17. For this purpose I am sending to you Timothy, who is my own dear and faithful son in the Christian life. He will remind you of the principles which I follow in the new life in union with Christ Jesus and which I teach in all the churches everywhere.
18. Some of you have become proud because you have thought that I would not be coming to visit you.
19. If the Lord is willing, however, I will come to you soon, and then I will find out for myself the power which these proud people have, and not just what they say.
20. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of words but of power.
21. Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in a spirit of love and gentleness?