If the Lord is willing, however, I will come to you soon, and then I will find out for myself the power which these proud people have, and not just what they say.

And if any of you are hungry, you should eat at home, so that you will not come under God's judgment as you meet together. As for the other matters, I will settle them when I come.

For I want very much to see you, in order to share a spiritual blessing with you to make you strong.

When I come to you, I know that I shall come with a full measure of the blessing of Christ.

I am sure of this, and so I know that I will stay. I will stay on with you all, to add to your progress and joy in the faith,

so that when I am with you again, you will have even more reason to be proud of me in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

In our work together with God, then, we beg you who have received God's grace not to let it be wasted.