CHAPTER 13
This is
the third time
I am coming
to
you.
“Every
matter
must be established
by
the testimony
of two
or
three
witnesses.”
I already warned you
the
second time
I was with you.
So
now
in my absence,
I warn
those who
sinned earlier
and
everyone
else:
If
I return
vvv,
I will not spare anyone,
since
you are demanding
proof
that
Christ
is speaking
through
me.
He
is not weak
in dealing with
you,
but
is powerful
among
you.
For
He was indeed crucified
in
weakness,
yet
He lives
by
God’s
power.
And though
we
are weak
in
Him,
yet
by
God’s
power
we will live
with
Him
to serve
you.
Examine
yourselves to see
whether
you are
in
the
faith;
test
yourselves.
Can’t you see
for yourselves
that
Jesus
Christ is
in
you—
unless
you
actually
fail the test?
Now
we pray
to
God
that you
will not do
anything
wrong—
not
that
we
will appear
to have stood the test,
but
that
you
will do
what is
right,
even if
we
appear
to
have failed.
This is why
I write
these things
while absent,
so that
when I am present
I will not need to be
severe
in my use of
the
authority
that
the
Lord
gave
me
for
building you up,
not
for
tearing you down.
Finally,
brothers,
rejoice!
Aim for perfect harmony,
encourage one another,
be of
one
mind,
live in peace.
And
the
God
of love
and
peace
will be
with
you.
May the
grace
of the
Lord
Jesus
Christ,
and
the
love
of
God,
and
the
fellowship
of the
Holy
Spirit
be with
all
of you.