1 Examine Yourselves This is the third time I am coming to you. By the mouth of two or three witnesses every 13:1 Lit word matter shall be confirmed.
2 I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the restas well, that if I come again I will not spareanyone,
3 since you are seeking proof that Christ speaks in me; He is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak 13:4One early ms with Him in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God toward you.
5 Test yourselvesto seeif you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize about yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you 13:5Lit are unapproved fail the test?
6 But I hope that you will realize that we ourselves 13:6Lit are not unapproved do not fail the test.
7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong, not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may 13:7Lit be as appear unapproved.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, butonlyfor the truth.
9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong. This we also pray for, 13:9Lit your completion that you be restored.
10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present Ineednot use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
11 Finally, brothers, 13:11 Or farewell rejoice, 13:11 Or put yourselves in order be restored, be comforted, be like-minded, 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 13:13Or holy ones saints 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.