1This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?6But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.7Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.9For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.12Greet one another with an holy kiss.13All the saints salute you.14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13
New International Reader’s Version
Final warnings
1This will be my third visit to you. Scripture says, ‘Every matter must be proved by the words of two or three witnesses.’ (De 19:15)2I already warned you during my second visit. I now say it again while I’m away. When I return, I won’t spare those who sinned earlier. I won’t spare any of the others either.3You are asking me to prove that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you. He is powerful among you.4It is true that Christ was nailed to the cross because he was weak. But Christ lives by God’s power. In the same way, we share his weakness. But by God’s power we will live with Christ as we serve you.5Take a good look at yourselves to see if you are really believers. Test yourselves. Don’t you realise that Christ Jesus is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test!6I hope you will discover that I haven’t failed the test.7I pray to God that you won’t do anything wrong. I don’t pray so that people will see that I have passed the test. Instead, I pray this so that you will do what is right, even if it seems I have failed.8I can’t do anything to stop the truth. I can only work for the truth.9I’m glad when I am weak but you are strong. I pray that there will be no more problems among you.10That’s why I write these things before I come to you. Then when I do come, I won’t have to be hard on you when I use my authority. The Lord gave me the authority to build you up. He didn’t give it to me to tear you down.
Final greetings
11Finally, brothers and sisters, be joyful! Work to make things right with one another. Help one another and agree with one another. Live in peace. And the God who gives love and peace will be with you.12Greet one another with a holy kiss.13All God’s people here send their greetings.14May the grace shown by the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. May the love that God has given us be with you. And may the sharing of life brought about by the Holy Spirit be with you all.