1 This is now the third time that I am coming to visit you. The testimony of two or three witnesses must uphold an accusation. (Deuteronomy 19:15)

2 I told you in advance as if I were present the second time. Being absent now I write to those who have sinned and to all others. If I come again I will not spare you.

3 Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you but is mighty in you.

4 Though he was impaled through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. We are weak through him also, 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 this about yourselves that Jesus Christ is with you, unless you are disqualified?

6 I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.

7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we may seem disqualified.

8 We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

9 We are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong. We also pray that you be readjusted.

10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power that the Lord gave me to enlightenment and not to destruction.

11 Finally brothers, farewell: Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, 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 holy ones salute you.

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the intimate sharing of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.