1This is the third time I am coming to you . At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established . 2I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time , so now , being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest , that , if I come again , I will not spare ; 3seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me ; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you : 4for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God . For we also are weak in him , but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you .
Paul's Authority and Christ's Power
5Try your own selves , whether ye are in the faith ; prove your own selves . Or know ye not as to your own selves , that Jesus Christ is in you ? unless indeed ye be reprobate. 6But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate. 7Now we pray to God that ye do no evil ; not that we may appear approved , but that ye may do that which is honorable , though we be as reprobate. 8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9For we rejoice , when we are weak, and ye are strong : this we also pray for , even your perfecting.
Final Greetings and Exhortations
10For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up , and not for casting down . 11Finally , brethren , farewell . Be perfected; be comforted ; be of the same mind ; live in peace : and the God of love and peace shall be with you . 12Salute one another with a holy kiss . 13All the saints salute you . 14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.