Examine yourselves
1This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2I gave a warning when I was with you the second time, and now, away from you, I give it again to those who sinned before and to all the rest: if I come again, I will spare no one — 3since you are demanding proof that the Christ speaks in me. He is not weak toward you; he is powerful among you. 4For he was crucified out of weakness, but he lives by the power of God. And we too are weak in him, but toward you we will live with him by the power of God. 5Put yourselves to the test: are you in the faith? Examine yourselves. Or do you not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless you fail the test. 6And I hope you will come to see that we do not fail it. 7We pray to God that you may do no wrong — not so that we may appear to have passed the test, but so that you may do what is right, even if we should seem to have failed. 8For we can do nothing against the truth, only for the truth. 9We rejoice when we are weak and you are strong; and this is what we pray for: your restoration. 10That is why I write this while away, so that when I come I will not have to be severe in using the authority the Lord gave me — for building up, not for tearing down.
Farewell
11Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Be restored, take comfort, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints greet you. 14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
