1 This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. {By the testimony} of two or three witnesses every word will be established.
2 I have already said when was present the second time, and [although I] am absent now also say in advance to those who sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare [anyone],
3 since you are demanding proof that Christ, who [is] not weak toward you, but is powerful among you, is speaking in me.
4 For indeed, he was crucified because of weakness, but he lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live together with him because of the power of God toward you.
5 Test yourselves [to see] if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ [is] in you, unless you are unqualified?
6 And I hope that you will recognize that we are not unqualified!
7 Now we pray to God that you not do wrong in any way, not that we are seen as approved, but that you do what is good, even [though] we are [seen] as though unqualified.
8 For we are not able [to do] anything against the truth, but rather [only] for the truth.
9 For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong, and we pray for this: your maturity.
10 Because of this, I am writing these [things] [although I] am absent, in order that [when I] am present I may not have to act severely according to the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.