As Paul prepares for this third visit to the church at Corinth, he is apprehensive over what he might find. He is concerned about the damage done by the false apostles and by those who are self-willed and self-indulgent. He writes, therefore, to give them the heads up by:

1. making a foolish admission (vv. 11–13),

2. professing his fatherly affection (vv. 14–18), and

3. pastorally admitting his fearful apprehension (vv. 19–21)