14. I’m not writing this to make you feel ashamed but to instruct you as my dear children.
15. You may have countless Christian guardians, but you don’t have many ⌊spiritual⌋ fathers. I became your father in the Christian life by telling you the Good News about Christ Jesus.
16. So I encourage you to imitate me.
17. That’s why I’ve sent Timothy to you to help you remember my Christian way of life as I teach it everywhere in every church. Timothy is my dear child, and he faithfully does the Lord’s work.
18. Some of you have become arrogant because you think I won’t pay you a visit.