18. But because I have not come myself, there have arisen certain persons among you with an exaggerated opinion of their own importance.
19. And that being so, I shall, if the Lord so will, come to you myself and visit you, and when I come, it will not be with the dialectic of these self-assertive teachers, but with the word of power.
20. In that is the kingdom of God, not theory and contention but spiritual power.
21. What then? Shall I come to you as a master with rod and rule, or in the spirit of love and gentleness?