1This is the third time I am coming to you. 2Co 12:14 Every fact must be established by the testimony Lit mouth of two or three witnesses. Dt 17:6; 19:15 Dt 17:6; 19:15

2I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning Gl 5:21; 1Th 3:4 while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient,

3since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. Mt 10:20; 1Co 5:4 He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you.

4In fact, He was crucified Mt 27:22; Php 2:7-8 in weakness, but He lives Rm 14:9; Php 1:21; 1Pt 3:18 by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, 2Co 12:10 yet toward you we will live Rm 6:4,8 with Him by God’s power.

5Test Jms 1:13 yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless you fail the test. Or you are disqualified, or you are counterfeit

6And I hope you will recognize that we do not fail the test.

7Now we pray to God that you do nothing wrong — not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may do what is right, 1Pt 2:12 even though we may appear to fail.

8For we are not able to do anything against the truth, 2Th 2:10 but only for the truth.

9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. Ac 25:5 We also pray that you become fully mature. Or become complete, or be restored

10This is why I am writing these things while absent, that when I am there I will not use severity, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up 1Co 14:3 and not for tearing down. 2Co 10:4,8

11Finally, brothers, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, Rm 12:16; Php 1:7 be at peace, Mk 9:50; Rm 16:20; 2Tm 1:2 and the God of love 1Jn 4:16 and peace will be with you.

12Greet one another with a holy kiss. Rm 16:16; 1Co 16:20; 1Th 5:26; 1Pt 5:14 All the saints greet you.

13The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 1Co 13:1; 1Jn 4:16 of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Some translations divide these 2 vv. into 3 vv. so that v. 13 begins with All the saints . . . and v. 14 begins with The grace of . . . 2Th 3:16