King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
14
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.
15
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.
16
Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
17
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.
18
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 which 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.
20
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
21
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.