1 Corinthians 4:9-21

9For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people.

10We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

11Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless;

12we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

13when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.

14I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.

15For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

16Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

17This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

18Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.

19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant.

20For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

21What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?