Examine Yourselves

1This third time I am coming to you. “In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter will be established.”a

2I have warned as being present the second time, and being absent now; and I warn those having sinned before and all the rest that, if I come to the same again, I will not spare anyone, 3since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you but is powerful among you. 4For indeed He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, but we will live with Him by God’s power toward you.

5Examine yourselves whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not recognize yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are unapproved? 6And I hope that you will realize that we are not unapproved.

7Now I pray to God for you to do nothing wrong. Not that we might appear approved, but that you may do what is right, though we might appear as unapproved. 8For we have no power against the truth, but for the truth. 9For we rejoice when we might be weak, but you might be strong. But this also we pray: for your perfection.

10Therefore I write these things being absent, so that being present I should not treat you with severity according to the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.

Final Greetings and Blessing

11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected, be exhorted,b be of the same mind, be at 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, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.c