Final Warnings and Exhortations

13 This is the third time I am coming to you. s Every fact must be established by the testimony t of two or three witnesses. u v 2 I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning w while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient, 3 since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. x He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you. 4 In fact, He was crucified y in weakness, but He lives z by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, a yet toward you we will live b with Him by God’s power.

5 Test c yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test. d 6 And I hope you will recognize that we do not fail the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you do nothing wrong—not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may do what is right, e even though we may appear to fail. 8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth, f but only for the truth. 9 In fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. g We also pray that you become fully mature. h 10 This is why I am writing these things while absent, that when I am there I will not use severity, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up i and not for tearing down. j

11 Finally, * brothers, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, k be at peace, l and the God of love m and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. n All the * saints greet you.

13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love o of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. p q