1 Corinthians 4:11-21 ▼

11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are in nakedness, and buffeted, and wander without a home,

12 and labour, working with our own hands. Railed at, we bless; persecuted, we suffer [it];

13 insulted, we entreat: we are become as [the] offscouring of the world, [the] refuse of all, until now.

14 Not [as] chiding do I write these things to you, but as my beloved children I admonish [you].

15 For if ye should have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the glad tidings.

16 I entreat you therefore, be my imitators.

17 For this reason I have sent to you Timotheus, who is my beloved and faithful child in [the] Lord, who shall put you in mind of my ways [as] they [are] in Christ, according as I teach everywhere in every assembly.

18 But some have been puffed up, as if I were not coming to you;

19 but I will come quickly to you, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of those that are puffed up, but the power.

20 For the kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power.

21 What will ye? that I come to you with a rod; or in love, and [in] a spirit of meekness?