Examine Yourselves 1 WBS This is the third time I am coming to you: By the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 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 WBS I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them who heretofore have sinned, and to all others, 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 WBS Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who toward 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 WBS For though 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 WBS But I trust that ye will know that we are not reprobates. BSB BSB: And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.
7 WBS Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we should 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 WBS 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 WBS For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. BSB BSB: In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
10 WBS Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to 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 WBS Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, 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 WBS Greet one another with a holy kiss. BSB BSB: Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13 WBS All the saints salute you. BSB BSB: All the saints send you greetings.