¹⁹ But I will come to you very soon,^(A) if the Lord is willing,^(B) and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.

Final Warnings

13 This will be my third visit to you.^(A) “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”^{[a](B) 2} I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent:^(C) On my return I will not spare^(D) those who sinned earlier^(E) or any of the others, ³ since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me.^(F) He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. ⁴ For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness,^(G) yet he lives by God’s power.^(H) Likewise, we are weak^(I) in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him^(J) in our dealing with you.

²¹ But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.”^(A) Then he set sail from Ephesus.

²¹ After all this had happened, Paul decided^[a] to go to Jerusalem,^(A) passing through Macedonia^(B) and Achaia.^(C) “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”^(D)

¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will,^(A) we will live and do this or that.”

³ And God permitting,^(A) we will do so.

²³ I call God as my witness^(A)—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you^(B) that I did not return to Corinth.

³⁴ Anyone who is hungry^(A) should eat something at home,^(B) so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.

And when I come^(C) I will give further directions.

¹⁸ Some of you have become arrogant,^(A) as if I were not coming to you.^(B)