1 I am coming to you this third [time]. In the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.

2 I told you before, and I say beforehand, as being present the second [time] and being absent now. I write to those who sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare.

3 Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me (who is not weak toward you, but is powerful in you;

4 for even if He was crucified out of weakness, yet He lives by [the] power of God. For indeed even we are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by [the] power of God toward you),

5 examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith, prove your own selves. Do you not know your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are reprobates?

6 But I trust that you will know that we are not reprobates.

7 But I pray to God [for] you not to do evil, none. And not that we may appear approved, but that you should do the good things, though we are deemed to be reprobates.

8 For we have no power against the truth, but for the truth.

9 For we are glad when we are weak, and you are powerful. But we pray also for this, your perfection.

10 Therefore I write these things while absent, lest being present I may not deal sharply [with you] according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for pulling down.

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Perfect yourselves; encourage yourselves; mind the same thing; be at 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.