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2 Corinthians 13
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1This is the third time I am coming to you. At the mouth of two witnesses or three shall every word be established.
1This is the third time I am coming to visit you. As the Scriptures say, every matter must be proven by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
2I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;
2I have warned you before, and I warn you again now while I am away, just as I did during my second visit. When I come back, I will not be lenient with those who sinned in the past or with anyone else.
3seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:
3Since you want proof that Christ is speaking through me, you will see it. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
4for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.
4Although he was crucified in weakness, he lives by the power of God. In the same way, we are weak in him, but by God’s power we will live with him to serve you.
5Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.
5Examine yourselves to see if you are living in the faith; test yourselves. Don't you realize that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test.
6But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.
6And I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test.
7Now we pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that ye may do that which is honorable, though we be as reprobate.
7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. We don't pray this just to show that we have passed the test, but so that you will do what is right, even if it looks like we have failed.
8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting.
9We are glad when we are weak if it means you are strong; our prayer is that you will become mature and complete.
10For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.
10I am writing these things while I am away so that when I arrive I won't have to be severe in using the authority the Lord gave me. That authority is for building you up, not for tearing you down.
11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
11Finally, brothers and sisters, goodbye. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, and live in peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.