1 THIS third time I am coming to you: by the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every charge be established.
2 I have told you before, and I repeat it, as when I was present the second time, and now absent, I write to those who have sinned already, and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare you:
3 since ye demand a proof that Christ speaketh in me, who to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4 For though he was crucified in 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 [displayed] towards you.
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your ownselves: know ye not your ownselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobate?
6 But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.
7 Now I pray unto God that ye do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you may do that which is laudable, though we should be as reprobates.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9 For we rejoice when we are weak, but ye are strong: and this also we pray for, even your perfect establishment.
10 For this cause, though absent, I have written these things, that when I am present I may not use severity, according to the power which the Lord hath given me for edification, and not for destruction.