as for me, though I am absent in person, yet being present by my authority, with regard to him that has committed this fact, I am come to the same resolution, as if I was present,

therefore being always certainly assur'd that whilst I sojourn in this body, I am absent from the Lord,

I who am a person of a mean presence, when among you, but exert myself upon your account, when absent; I Paul intreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, not to let me exert that authority,

contemptible) let such a one depend upon this, that the same authority which appear'd in my letters, when I was absent, will appear in fact, when I am present.

I told you once before, and now being absent I write to forewarn you and all that have sinned, that when I shall arrive, I will not spare them;

these things therefore I write to you being absent, that when I come I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.

only conduct yourselves in a manner becoming the gospel of Christ, that whether I come to see you, or else am absent, I may have this account of you, that you are stedfastly of the same resolution, and unanimously contend for the faith of the gospel,

Wherefore, my beloved, as you have always obey'd the gospel, not only when I was with you, but much more now while I am absent, continue the work of your own salvation, whatever persecutions you apprehend:

for tho' I am absent in person, yet I am present with you in my mind, and am glad to perceive the regularily of your affairs, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

while I am absent apply yourself to reading, to exhortation, and instruction.