2 Corinthians 13
Final Warnings
1 This will be my third visit to you. Scripture says, "Every matter must be proved by the words of two or three witnesses." (Deuteronomy 19:15)2 I already warned you during my second visit. I now say it again while I'm away. When I return, I won't spare those who sinned earlier. I won't spare any of the others either.
3 You are asking me to prove that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you. He is powerful among you.4 It is true that Christ was nailed to the cross because he was weak. But he lives by God's power. In the same way, I share his weakness. But by God's power I will live with him to serve you.
5 Take a good look at yourselves to see if you are really believers. Test yourselves. Don't you realize that Christ Jesus is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test!6 I hope you will discover that I haven't failed the test.
7 I pray to God that you won't do anything wrong. I don't pray so that people will see that I have passed the test. Instead, I pray so that you will do what is right, even if it seems I have failed.8 I can't do anything to stop the truth. I can only work for the truth.
9 I'm glad when I am weak but you are strong. I pray that you will become perfect.10 That's why I write these things before I come to you. Then when I do come, I won't have to be hard on you when I use my authority.
The Lord gave me the authority to build you up. He didn't give it to me to tear you down.
Final Greetings
11 Finally, brothers and sisters, good-by. Try to be perfect. Pay attention to what I'm saying. Agree with one another. Live in peace. And the God who gives love and peace will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.13 All of God's people send their greetings.
14 May the grace shown by the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love that God has given us, and the sharing of life brought about by the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word established.2 I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;3 seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:4 for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.5 Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.6 But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.7 Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate.8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.9 For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting.10 For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.12 Salute one another with a holy kiss.13 All the saints salute you.14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.