10. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, we are dishonored!
11. To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, brutally treated, and without a roof over our heads.
12. We do hard work, toiling with our own hands. When we are verbally abused, we respond with a blessing, when persecuted, we endure,
13. when people lie about us, we answer in a friendly manner. We are the world’s dirt and scum, even now.
14. I am not writing these things to shame you, but to correct you as my dear children.
15. For though you may have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, because I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
16. I encourage you, then, be imitators of me.
17. For this reason, I have sent Timothy to you, who is my dear and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.
18. Some have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.
19. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord is willing, and I will find out not only the talk of these arrogant people, but also their power.
20. For the kingdom of God is demonstrated not in idle talk but with power.
21. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline or with love and a spirit of gentleness?