Examine Yourselves

1This is the third time I am coming to you⁺. “Every matter {rhēma} must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses <Deu 19:15>.”a

2I 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, I will not spare anyone, 3since you⁺ are demanding proof that Christ (the Anointed One) is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you⁺ but is powerful among you⁺. 4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s {Theou} power {dynameōs}. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you⁺.

5Examine yourselves to see whether you⁺ are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you⁺ not realize that Jesus (YHWH saves) Christ (the Anointed One) is in you⁺—unless you⁺ fail the test (unapproved)? 6And I hope you⁺ will realize that we have not failed the test (unapproved).

7Now we pray to God {Theon} 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 (unapproved). 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you⁺ are strong, and our prayer is for your⁺ perfection.

10This 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 {Kyrios} gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Benediction and Farewell

11Finally, brothers (and sisters), rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another (listen to my appeal),b be of one mind, live in peace. And the God {Theos} of love {agapēs} and peace will be with you⁺.

12Greet one another with a holy kiss.

13All the saints (holy ones) send you⁺ greetings.

14The grace of the Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves) Christ (the Anointed One), and the love {agapē} of God {Theou}, and the fellowship {koinōnia} of the Holy Spirit {Hagiou Pneumatos} be with all of you⁺.c