1This is the third time I am coming to you. Every matter must be settled by the word of two or three witnesses.
2I said it before, when I was with you the second time, and I say it again now while I am away. I write to those who sinned before, and to all the rest: if I come again, I will not spare anyone.
3You are looking for proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak toward you; he is strong among you.
4For though he was crucified in weakness, he lives by the power of God. We too are weak in him, but we will live with him by the power of God toward you.
5Test yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test.
6But I trust you will know that we have not failed the test.
7Now I pray to God that you will do no evil. I do not pray this so that we may look approved, but so that you may do what is right, even if we should seem to have failed.
8For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
9We are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this is what we pray for: that you may be made complete.
10That is why I write these things while I am away. Then, when I come, I will not have to be harsh in using the authority the Lord gave me. He gave it to me to build you up, not to tear you down.
11Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Be made complete, take comfort, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13All the saints greet you.
14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the sharing in the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. «The second letter to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.»