²⁰ Truly my desire is to be present with you now, using a changed voice; for I am troubled about you.

¹⁷ But we, my brothers, being away from you for a short time, in body but not in heart, had all the more desire to see your face;

¹⁸ For which reason we made attempts to come to you, even I, Paul, once and again; but Satan kept us from coming.

¹⁹ But I will come to you in a short time, if it is pleasing to the Lord, and I will take note, not of the word of those who are full of pride, but of the power.

²⁰ For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

²¹ What is your desire? is my coming to be with punishment, or is it to be in love and a gentle spirit?

⁹ For how great is the praise which we give to God for you, and how great the joy with which we are glad because of you before our God;