Dual Panel1This will be my third visit to you. As scripture says, “Every charge must be established on the evidence of two or three witnesses”:
2to those who sinned before, and to everyone else, I repeat the warning I gave last time; on my second visit I gave it in person, and now I give it while absent. It is that when I come this time, I will show no leniency.
3Then you will have the proof you seek of the Christ who speaks through me, the Christ who, far from being weak with you, makes his power felt among you.
4True, he died on the cross in weakness, but he lives by the power of God; so you will find that we who share his weakness shall live with him by the power of God.
5Examine yourselves: are you living the life of faith? Put yourselves to the test. Surely you recognize that Jesus Christ is among you? If not, you have failed the test.
6I hope you will come to see that we have not failed.
7Our prayer to God is that you may do no wrong, not that we should win approval; we want you to do what is right, even if we should seem failures.
8We have no power to act against the truth, but only for it.
9We are happy to be weak at any time if only you are strong. Our prayer, then, is for your amendment.
10In writing this letter before I come, my aim is to spare myself, when I do come, any sharp exercise of authority -- authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for pulling down.
11And now, my friends, farewell. Mend your ways; take our appeal to heart; agree with one another; live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
12Greet one another with the kiss of peace.
13All God's people send you greetings.
14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.