²³ I call God as my witness^(A)—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you^(B) that I did not return to Corinth.

2 ¹ So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you.^(A)

³ I wrote as I did,^(A) so that when I came I would not be distressed^(B) by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence^(C) in all of you, that you would all share my joy.

²⁰ For I am afraid that when I come^(A) I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be.^(B) I fear that there may be discord,^(C) jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition,^(D) slander,^(E) gossip,^(F) arrogance^(G) and disorder.^{(H) 21} I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved^(I) over many who have sinned earlier^(J) and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery^(K) in which they have indulged.

² I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent:^(A) On my return I will not spare^(B) those who sinned earlier^(C) or any of the others,