1 Corinthians 4:9-21

9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.12 10We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 11Even to this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it: 13Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things to this day.

14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you . 15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16Therefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

17For this cause have I sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 18Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them who are puffed up, but the power. 20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21What will ye? shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?