³ For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit.^(A) As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus^(B) on the one who has been doing this.

⁵ For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit^(A) and delight to see how disciplined^(B) you are and how firm^(C) your faith in Christ^(D) is.

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),^(A) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.^(B)

² I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent:^(A) On my return I will not spare^(B) those who sinned earlier^(C) or any of the others,

¹¹ Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.