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.

²⁰ I assure you before God^(A) that what I am writing you is no lie.^(B)

²¹ What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline,^(A) or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

⁹ God, whom I serve^(A) in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness^(B) how constantly I remember you

¹⁰ This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh^(A) in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.^(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,

²⁰ Among them are Hymenaeus^(A) and Alexander,^(B) whom I have handed over to Satan^(C) to be taught not to blaspheme.

⁵ You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed^(A)—God is our witness.^(B)

⁸ God can testify^(A) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

²⁰ For I am afraid that when I come^(A) I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be.^(B) I fear that there may be discord,^(C) jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,^(D) slander,^(E) gossip,^(F) arrogance^(G) and disorder.^(H)