1 GLT This{ will be} the third{ time} that I am coming to you.“Every matter must be established on the basis of the mouth of two or three witnesses.” 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 GLT I have previously said when being present the second{ time}, and{ though} being absent, I also say now— to those who sinned before and to all the rest— that if I come again, I will not spare{ anyone}, 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 GLT since you are seeking proof of the Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you but is powerful among 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 GLT For he was also crucified as a result of weakness, but he lives as a result of God’ s power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him as a result of God’ s power toward 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 GLT And I hope that you will realize that we ourselves are not unapproved. BSB BSB: And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.
7 GLT Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we ourselves might be seen{ as} approved, but so that you yourselves might do the good, even if we ourselves might be as unapproved. 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 GLT For we are not able{ to do} anything against the truth, but only on behalf of the truth. BSB BSB: For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 GLT For we rejoice whenever we ourselves are weak but you yourselves are powerful. We also pray for this: for your restoration. BSB BSB: In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
10 GLT Because of this, I write these things being absent so that, being present, I would not treat{ you} harshly according to the authority which the Lord gave to me for building up and not for tearing 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.
11 GLT Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be restored, be encouraged, think the same, live in peace. And the God of love and 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 GLT Greet each other with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. BSB BSB: Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.