Examine Yourselves 1 DRA Behold, this is the third time I am coming to you: In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word stand. BSB BSB: This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
2 DRA I have told before, and foretell, as present, and now absent, to them that sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare. BSB BSB: I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
3 DRA Do you seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me, who towards you is not weak, but is mighty in you? BSB BSB: since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you but is powerful among you.
4 DRA For although 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 towards you. BSB BSB: For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you.
6 DRA But I trust that you shall know that we are not reprobates. BSB BSB: And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.
7 DRA Now we pray God, that you may do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is good, and that we may be as reprobates. BSB BSB: Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed.
8 DRA For we can do nothing against the truth; but for the truth. BSB BSB: For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 DRA For we rejoice that we are weak, and you are strong. This also we pray for, your perfection. BSB BSB: In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
10 DRA Therefore I write these things, being absent, that, being present, I may not deal more severely, according to the power which the Lord hath given me unto edification, and not unto destruction. BSB BSB: This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Benediction and Farewell 11 DRA For the rest, brethren, rejoice, be perfect, take exhortation, be of one mind, have peace; and the God of peace and of love shall be with you. BSB BSB: Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
12 DRA Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the saints salute you. BSB BSB: Greet one another with a holy kiss.