1 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

2 I warned those who sinned in the past and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present the second time, that if I come again I will not spare them—

3 since you desire proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful in you.

4 For he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God for you.

5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, indeed, you fail the test?

6 I trust that you will realize that we have not failed the test.

7 Now we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, even though we may seem to have failed.

8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. What we pray for is your perfection.

10 I write these things while I am absent, in order that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority which the Lord gave me for building you up, and not for tearing you down.

11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, 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 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.