Come Ready to Be Tested

The third visit is set, and this time Paul will not spare those who kept sinning. They wanted proof that Christ speaks through him, so he turns the test around: examine yourselves. He would rather look weak in our Father's power and find them whole than arrive tearing down.

Chapter 13.

This is the third time I'm coming to you. "Every matter must be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses." I told those who sinned before, and everyone else, in advance—as I did in person on my second visit—and I'm telling them now while away: if I come again, I won't spare them, since you want proof Christ speaks through me. He is not weak toward you but powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by the power of our Father. For we too are weak in him, yet toward you we will live with him by the power of our Father.

Test yourselves—are you in the faith? Examine yourselves. Don't you know Jesus Christ is in you, unless you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we ourselves have not failed the test.

We pray to our Father that you do nothing wrong—not to prove ourselves approved, but so you do what is right, even if we seem unapproved. For we cannot oppose the truth, but only for the truth. We rejoice when we are weak and you are strong; we also pray for your full restoration. This is why I write these things while away, so that when present I won't need to be harsh, using the authority the Lord gave me—to build up, not tear down.

The Father's Love and Peace

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, strive for full restoration, encourage each other, think alike, live in peace—and our Father of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

All the holy ones greet you.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of our Father, and the deep communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. ^a