And in this confidence I intended to come to you earlier, that you might have a second benefit,

Therefore, when I decided this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I decide, do I decide according to the flesh, that there may be with me "Yes, Yes," and "No, No?"

Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined as a ministry to send relief to the brothers dwelling in Judea;

Therefore when there arose a serious dissension and debate with Paul and Barnabus, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this issue.

But Barnabas desired to take along with them John called Mark.

For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

For I indeed, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has done this deed in this way,

Whenever I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, hasten to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

For out of much affliction and distress of heart I wrote to you, through many tears, not that you might be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly towards you.

Moreover I call upon God as a witness against my soul, that in order to spare you, I came no more to Corinth.

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side; outside [were] fightings, inside [were] fears.

and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted over you, as he reported to us your earnest longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

For I am afraid, lest perhaps when I come, I will not find you as I desire, and that I will be found by you as you do not desire; lest perhaps there [be] contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, disputes, slanders, gossipings, pride, disorders;

lest, when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will mourn for many who have previously sinned and have not repented for the impurity and fornication and lewdness which they practiced.

Because of this I write these things being absent, in order that when I am present I may not deal sharply with you, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for edification and not for destruction.

What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and a spirit of gentleness?