1 Corinthians 4:14-21 - Paul's Concern For The Corinthian Believers

¹⁴ I do not write this to you to make you ashamed, but for your instruction as my dear children. ¹⁵ For no matter how many guides you may have in the Christian life, you will not have many fathers; for in this matter of union with Christ, I became your father, through preaching the good news to you. ¹⁶ So I urge you, follow my example. ¹⁷ This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is a dear child of mine, in the service of the Lord, and one on whom you can depend, and he will help you to keep in mind my methods in the service of Christ Jesus, which I follow everywhere in every church. ¹⁸ Some of you seem to think that I am not coming to visit you, and are putting on airs about it. ¹⁹ But I am coming very soon to see you, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out, not what these conceited people have to say, but what they can actually do. ²⁰ For the reign of God is not a matter of words but of power. ²¹ Which will you have? Shall I come to you with a stick, or in a loving and gentle spirit?