¹⁰ We are fools for Christ,^(A) but you are so wise in Christ!^(B) We are weak, but you are strong!^(C) You are honored, we are dishonored! ¹¹ To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.^{(D) 12} We work hard with our own hands.^(E) When we are cursed, we bless;^(F) when we are persecuted,^(G) we endure it; ¹³ when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage^(H) of the world—right up to this moment.

Paul’s Appeal and Warning

¹⁴ I am writing this not to shame you^(I) but to warn you as my dear children.^{(J) 15} Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father^(K) through the gospel.^{(L) 16} Therefore I urge you to imitate me.^{(M) 17} For this reason I have sent to you^(N) Timothy,^(O) my son^(P) whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.^(Q)

¹⁸ Some of you have become arrogant,^(R) as if I were not coming to you.^{(S) 19} But I will come to you very soon,^(T) if the Lord is willing,^(U) and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of^(V) talk but of power.^{(W) 21} What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline,^(X) or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?