The Webster Bible WBT
New International Version NIV
12 And labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;
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We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things to this day.
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when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].
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I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children.
15 For 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.
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Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
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Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
17 For this cause have I sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who will bring you into remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
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For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
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Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.
19 But 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.
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But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.
20 For the kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power.
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For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
21 What will ye? shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and [in] the spirit of meekness?
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What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.