¹This will be my third visit to you. Scripture says, “Every matter must be proved by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

²I already warned you during my second visit, and I’ll say it again now while I’m away: When I return, I won’t spare those who sinned earlier. I won’t spare any of the others, either,

³since you’re asking me to prove that Christ is speaking through me. He isn’t weak in dealing with you. He’s powerful in your midst.

⁴It’s true that Christ was nailed to the cross in weakness, but now he’s alive by God’s power. In the same way, we share his weakness, but by God’s power we’ll be alive with Christ as we deal with you.

⁵Take a good look at yourselves to see if you really are believers. Test yourselves. Don’t you realize that Christ Jesus is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test!

⁶But I hope you’ll discover that I haven’t failed the test.

⁷I pray to God that you won’t do anything wrong—not so that people will see that I’ve passed the test, but so that you will do what is right, even if it seems that I’ve failed.

⁸I can’t do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.

⁹I’m glad whenever I’m weak but you’re strong. I pray that you will be fully restored.

¹⁰That’s why I’m writing these things now, while I’m away. Then when I do come, I won’t have to use my authority and be hard on you. The Lord gave me that authority to build you up, not to tear you down.

Final Greetings

¹¹Finally, brothers and sisters, be joyful! Work to make everything right with one another. Encourage one another and agree with each other. Live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

¹²Greet one another with a holy kiss.

¹³All God’s people here send their greetings.

¹⁴May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.