This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
For I wrote to you with many tears out of an extremely troubled and anguished heart #– #not to cause you pain, but that you should know the abundant love I have for you.
Even though I am absent in the body, I am present in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already pronounced judgement on the one who has been doing such a thing.
After Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, Paul and Barnabas and some others were appointed to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this issue.