1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter will be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2 I warned you when I was present the second time, and now in my absence I warn those who sinned before and all the rest: if I come again, I will not spare them, 3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. We too are weak in him, but we will live with him by God's power toward you.

5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless, indeed, you fail the test. 6 But I hope you will recognize that we do not fail the test. 7 We pray to God that you do nothing wrong, not so that we may appear to pass the test, but so that you may do what is right, even if we appear to fail. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. This is also what we pray for: your restoration. 10 That is why I write these things while absent, so that when present I may not have to act severely according to the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Be restored, be encouraged, 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, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.