1 Corinthians 4:14-21

New Matthew Bible

¹⁴ I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. ¹⁵ For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers. In Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. ¹⁶ So then, I want you to follow me. ¹⁷ For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my dear son and faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways, which I have in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in all congregations.

¹⁸ Some swell, as though I will not be coming to you any more. ¹⁹ But I will come to you shortly, if God so wills, and will know not the words of those who swell, but the power. ²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power. ²¹ What would you have? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and in the spirit of gentleness?