1 Examine Yourselves This is the third time that I am visiting you. Eand.
2 I have already warned those who have sinned in the past and all the restas well,and I warn them now even though I am absent [from you] as I did when I was with you the second time, that if I come back I will not spareanyone,
3 since you seek [forensic] proof that Christ is speaking inandthrough me. He is not weakorineffective in dealing with you, but powerful within you.
4 For even though He was crucified in weakness [yielding Himself], yet He lives [resurrected] by the power of God [His Father]. For we too are weak in Him [as He was humanly weak], yet we are aliveandwell [in fellowship] with Him because of the power of Goddirectedtoward you.
5 Testandevaluate yourselvesto seewhether you are in the faithandliving your lives as [committed] believers. Examine yourselves [not me]! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves [by an ongoing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the testandare rejected as counterfeit?
6 But I hope you will acknowledge that we do not fail the testnorare we to be rejected.
7 But I pray to God that you may do nothing wrong. Not so that we [and our teaching] may appear to be approved, but that you may continue doing what is right, even though we [by comparison] may seem to have failed.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth [and the gospel—the good news of salvation].
9 We are glad when we are weak [since God’s power comes freely through us], but you [by comparison] are strong. We also pray for this, that you be made complete [fully restored, growing and maturing in godly character and spirit—pleasing your heavenly Father by the life you live].
10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent from you, so that when I come, I will not need to deal severely [with you], in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me [to be used] for building you up and not for tearing you down.
11 Finally, believers, rejoice! Be made complete [be what you should be], be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace [enjoy the spiritual well-being experienced by believers who walk closely with God]; and the God of love and peace [the source of lovingkindness] will be with you.
12 Greet one another with aA traditional greeting in biblical times, much like today’s handshake and hug.holy kiss.
13 AllLit the saints.God’s people greet you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.