Dual Panel1THIS will be my third visit to you. Remember the ancient Law: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
2My previous warning, given on my second visit, still stands and, though absent, I repeat it now as though I were present to those who had sinned before and to all the others, that my coming will not mean leniency.
3That will be the proof you seek that I speak by the power of Christ. The Christ you have to deal with is not a weak person outside you, but a tremendous power inside you.
4He was "weak" enough to be crucified, yes, but he lives now by the power of God. We are weak as he was weak, but we are strong enough to deal with you for we share his life by the power of God.
5You should be looking at yourselves to make sure that you am really Christ's. It is yourselves that you should be testing. You ought to know by this time that Christ Jesus is in you, unless you are not real Christians at all.
6And when you have applied your test, I am confident that you will find that I myself am a genuine Christian.
7I pray God that you may make no mistake, not because I have any need of your approval, but because I earnestly want you to find the right answer, even if that should make me no real Christian.
8For we can make no progress against the truth; we can only work for it.
9We are always quite happy to be weak if it means that you are strong. Our prayer for you is true Christian maturity.
10Hence the tone of this letter, so that when I do come I shall not be obliged to use with severity that power which the Lord has given methough even that is not meant to break you down but to build you up.
11Finally, then, my brothers, cheer up! Aim at perfection and accept my encouragement, agree with one another and live at peace. So shall the God of love and peace be ever with you.
12A handshake all round, please!
13All the Christians here send greeting.
14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship that is ours in the Holy Spirit be with you all!