1This will be the third time that I visit you. “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” (Deut.19:15). 2On my second visit I already warned those who had been sinning. And now I warn them again as well as any others, just as I did before, that the next time I will not spare them,

3Since you demand proof that Christ is speaking through me, Christ is not weak in dealing with you, but is mighty among you. 4For though He was crucified in weakness (meekness), yet He lives by the power of God. And we are also weak in Him, yet by the power of God, we shall live with Him in our dealing with you. 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you, unless, of course, you have failed the test of genuine faith? 6But I trust that you shall recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority. 7Now we pray to God that you do nothing wrong - not so that we should appear as having stood the test, but that you should do what is honest and right, even if we appear to have failed. 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9We are glad, whenever we are weak but you are strong; and this we also pray for: your restoration and maturity in the faith. 10That is why I write these things while I am yet absent, that when I come, I would not need to use sharpness, and I may use the power which the Lord has given me for building you up, and not to tear you down.

11Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration and perfection in Christ, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All of God’s people here send their greetings to you. 14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.