Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. The third time I am ready - That is, this is the third time that I am ready - have formed the resolution, to visit you. He had formed this resolution twice before, but was disappointed. See 1 Corinthians 16:5, and 2 Corinthians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 1:16. He now formed it a third time, having more probability of seeing them now than he had before. See 2 Corinthians 13:2.
I seek not yours, but you - I seek your salvation, I desire not your property; others have sought your property, but not your salvation. See 2 Corinthians 11:20.
For the children ought not to lay up for the parents - You may have many teachers, but you have but one Father; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel; see 1 Corinthians 4:15. Ye are my children, and I am your father. You have not contributed to my support, but I have been labouring for your life. I will act towards you as the loving father who works hard, and lays up what is necessary to enable his children to get their bread.