For I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged him who has done this thing.

Therefore, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord;

We are courageous, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.

Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.

Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.

Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News;

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.