[1] This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or
three witnesses shall every word established." [2] I have said beforehand,
and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now,
being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the
rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare; [3] seeing that you seek a
proof of Christ that speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is
powerful in you. [4] For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives
through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live
with him through the power of God toward you. [5] Test your own selves,
whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don`t you know as to
your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are
reprobate. [6] But I hope that you will know that we aren`t reprobate. [7]
Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but
that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate. [8]
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. [9] For we
rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. This we also pray for, even
your perfecting. [10] For this cause I write these things while absent,
that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which
the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down. [11] Finally,
brothers, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in
peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. [12] Greet one
another with a holy kiss. [13] All the saints greet you. [14] The grace of
the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy
Spirit, be with you all.
