Examine Yourselves 1 UDB This is the third time I am coming to you to deal with these matters. The principle in dealing with these issues is what the scripture says: "Every accusation against another person must be based on the testimony of two or three persons," not just one. 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 UDB When I was there on the second visit, I said to those who had sinned and who had been charged before the church, and to the entire church, and I will say it again: I will not overlook these charges. 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 UDB I tell you this because you are looking for proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you; instead, he is working in you by his great power. 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 UDB We learn from Christ's example because they crucified him when he was weak, yet God has made him alive again. And we, too, are weak as we live and follow his example, but with him, God will strengthen us as we talk with you about these sins that some of you have committed. 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 UDB And I hope that you will find that we pass the test and that Christ lives in us. BSB BSB: And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.
7 UDB Now we pray to God that you may not do anything that is wrong. We pray for this, not because we want to seem better than you by passing that test. Instead, we want you to know and do the right things. Even if we seem to have failed, we want you to succeed. 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 UDB The truth controls what we do; we cannot do anything against the truth. BSB BSB: For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 UDB We have joy when we are weak and you are strong. We pray that you may always trust and obey God completely. BSB BSB: In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
10 UDB I write this to you while I am away from you, so that when I come to you I will not have to deal harshly with you and use the authority the Lord gave me as an apostle. He gave me the office of apostle so that I might encourage you and not to tear you down. 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 UDB The last thing, brothers and sisters, is this: Rejoice! Act and behave better than you have been acting, and allow the Lord to give you courage. Agree with each other, and live in peace together. If you do these things, God, who loves you and brings you peace, will 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 UDB Welcome each other in a way that tells everybody how much you love each other. BSB BSB: Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 UDB All of us here whom God has set apart for himself greet you. BSB BSB: All the saints send you greetings.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.