Paul's Concern for Corinth and Warning of Discipline
2 Corinthians 12:11-21
11I have become foolish; you compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you, for I lacked nothing compared with the greatly superior apostles—even if I am nothing.12The signs of the apostle were produced among you with all perseverance—signs and wonders and powers.13For in what were you inferior to the remaining assemblies, except that I myself did not burden you? Grant me this unrighteousness.14Look, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not burden you; for I do not seek your things but you. For children ought not to store up for parents, but parents for children.15I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more excessively, am I loved less?16But be that as it may: I did not burden you. Yet, being crafty, I took you by deceit.17Did I exploit any of those whom I sent to you through him?18I urged Titus and sent the brother with him. Surely Titus did not exploit you? Did we not walk in the same spirit, not in the same tracks?19You have long thought that we are defending ourselves before God in Christ; we speak. Yet all things, beloved, are for your building up.20For I fear that when I come I may not find you as I wish, and that I may be found by you as you do not wish—lest there be quarreling, zeal, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slanders, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.21I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and that I may have to mourn over many who sinned beforehand and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin, and debauchery they practiced.