2Co 2 Corinthians, chapter Second Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 13
Final Warnings
This is the third time I am coming to you. As the Scriptures say, “Every matter must be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”*
I have told you before, and I am saying it again in advance—just as when I was present the second time, and now while I am absent—to those who have sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not show leniency.
You are seeking proof that Christ, who is not weak toward you but powerful among you, is truly speaking through me.
For He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him by the power of God directed toward you.
Examine yourselves to determine whether you are truly in the faith; test yourselves! Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you are unapproved?
But I trust that you will recognize that we are not unapproved.
Now we pray to God that you will do nothing wrong—not so that we may appear approved, but so that you may do what is right, even if we appear unapproved.
For we have no authority to act against the truth, but only in support of the truth.
For we rejoice when we are weak, while you are strong; and this is our prayer: that you may reach perfection or maturity.
That is why I am writing these things while I am absent, so that when I come, I may not need to deal harshly with you, according to the authority the Lord has given me—for building up, not tearing down.
Final Greetings
Finally, brothers, rejoice; strive for perfection or maturity; be comforted; be unified in mind; be at peace. And the God of love and of peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the saints send greetings to you.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Notes
1 Quoted from Deut. 19:15; cf. Num. 35:30