16
Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
17
For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
18
Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.
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But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
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For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
21
What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?