Add parallel Print Page Options

Final Warnings and Greetings

13 I will come to you for the third time [2:1, 3; 12:14]. “Every ·case [accusation; matter] must be ·proved [established] by two or three witnesses [Deut. 19:15].” When I was with you the second time [2:1–2], I gave a warning to those who had sinned. Now I am away from you, and I give a warning to all the others. When I come to you again, I will not ·be easy with [spare] them. ·You want [or …since you are demanding] proof that Christ is speaking through me. My proof is that he is not weak among you, but he is powerful. It is true that he was weak when he was ·killed on the cross [crucified], but he lives now by God’s power. It is true that we are weak in Christ, but ·for you [or when dealing with you; or in your presence] we will be alive with Christ by God’s power [C Christ’s resurrection turns weakness into strength].

Read full chapter

Examine Yourselves

13 This is the third time that I am visiting you. Every fact shall be sustained and confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.(A) I have already warned those who have sinned in the past and all the rest as well, and I warn them now even though I am absent [from you] as I did when I was with you the second time, that if I come back I will not spare anyone, since you seek [forensic] proof that Christ is speaking in and through me. He is not weak or ineffective in dealing with you, but powerful within you. For even though He was crucified in weakness [yielding Himself], yet He lives [resurrected] by the power of God [His Father]. For we too are weak in Him [as He was humanly weak], yet we are alive and well [in fellowship] with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

Read full chapter