I wrote the way I did so that when I came, you wouldn’t make me sad when you’re supposed to make me happy. I was sure that you would all want the same things I wanted.
I’m confident in the Lord that you won’t see this any other way. The people who are getting you so confused will be punished for that, no matter who they are.
We’re also sending another one of our brothers with these two. This man has often proved to us in many ways how committed he is. He’s even more committed now because he has great confidence in you.
So even though I wrote to you, it wasn’t for the sake of the one who did the wrong or for the sake the one who was wronged. Instead, I wrote you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how faithful you are to us.
I’m afraid that when I come my God will humble me before you. I’ll be grieved about many who have sinned earlier and who haven’t turned away from the impurity, sexual sin, and wild living that they’ve gotten involved in.
I’ve made a fool of myself, but you forced me to. You should have been the ones to praise me. I’m not the least bit inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I’m nothing.
Even if my letter upset you, I’m not sorry that I sent it. At first I was sorry, because I see that my letter hurt you, though only for a little while.
But, as you know, I didn’t come to Corinth on my way to Macedonia. I stayed away because I wanted to spare you. (God is my witness that this was the reason—may he take my life if I’m lying!)
That’s why I’m writing these things now, while I’m away. Then when I do come, I won’t have to use my authority and be hard on you. The Lord gave me that authority to build you up, not to tear you down.