1 This will be my third visit to you. Out of the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be confirmed.

2 I have said formerly, and I now forewarn you as when I was present the second time, so now when I am absent the second time, so now when I am absent, saying to those who had sinned before, and to all the rest, "If I come again, I will not spare,"

3 Since you want a proof of Christ who is speaking in me, he who is not feeble toward you, but powerful among you.

4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he now lives through the power of God. I also am weak, sharing in his weakness, but I shall live with him by the power of God.

5 Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith; put your own selves to the proof. Or do you not know, your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless indeed you fail to abide the proof?

6 But I hope you will find that I abide the proof.

7 And my prayer to God is that you may do no evil; not in order that I may appear approved, but that you may do what is noble, though I should seem unable to abide the proof.

8 For I have no power against the truth, but only in defense of the truth.

9 For I am always glad whenever I am weak, but you are strong. For this also I am praying, for your perfect reformation.

10 For this reason I am writing thus while absent, so that when I come, I may not have to deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for pulling down.

11 Finally, brothers, farewell. Aim at perfection, take courage, be of one mind, live in peace; so shall the God of love and peace be with you.

12 Salute one another with a holy kiss.

13 All the saints salute you.

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