2 Corinthians 13

Christian Standard Bible

Final Warnings and Exhortations

13 This is the third time I am coming to you.^(A) Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.^{[a](B) 2} I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning^(C) while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient, ³ since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me.^(D) He is not weak in dealing with you, but powerful among you. ⁴ For he was crucified^(E) in weakness, but he lives^(F) by the power of God. For we also are weak in him,^(G) but in dealing with you we will live^(H) with him by God’s power.

⁵ Test^(I) yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test.^{[b] 6} And I hope you will recognize that we ourselves do not fail the test. ⁷ But we pray to God that you do nothing wrong—not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may do what is right,^(J) even though we may appear to fail. ⁸ For we can’t do anything against the truth,^(K) but only for the truth. ⁹ We rejoice when we are weak and you are strong.^(L) We also pray that you become fully mature.^{[c] 10} This is why I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am there I may not have to deal harshly with you, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up^(M) and not for tearing down.^(N)

¹¹ Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice.^[d] Become mature, be encouraged,^[e] be of the same mind,^(O) be at peace,^(P) and the God of love^(Q) and peace will be with you. ¹² Greet one another with a holy kiss.^(R) All the saints send you greetings.

¹³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love^(S) of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.^[f](T)