13:1 THIS IS the third time that I am coming to you. By the testimony of two or three witnesses must any charge {and} every accusing statement be sustained {and} confirmed. |
13:2 I have already warned those who sinned formerly and all the rest also, and I warn them now again while I am absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come back, I will not spare [them], |
13:3 Since you desire {and} seek [perceptible] proof of the Christ Who speaks in {and} through me. [For He] is not weak {and} feeble in dealing with you, but is a mighty power within you; |
13:4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He goes on living by the power of God. And though we too are weak in Him [as He was humanly weak], yet in dealing with you [we shall show ourselves] alive {and} strong in [fellowship with] Him by the power of God. |
13:5 Examine {and} test {and} evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith {and} showing the proper fruits of it. Test {and} prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize {and} know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you--unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial {and} rejected? |
13:6 But I hope you will recognize {and} know that we are not disapproved on trial {and} rejected. |
13:7 But I pray to God that you may do nothing wrong, not in order that we [our teaching] may appear to be approved, but that you may continue doing right, [though] we may seem to have failed {and} be unapproved. |
13:8 For we can do nothing against the Truth [not serve any party or personal interest], but only for the Truth [which is the Gospel]. |
13:9 For we are glad when we are weak (unapproved) and you are really strong. And this we also pray for: your all-round strengthening {and} perfecting of soul. |
13:10 So I write these things while I am absent from you, that when I come to you, I may not have to deal sharply in my use of the authority which the Lord has given me [to be employed, however] for building [you] up and not for tearing [you] down. |
13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged {and} consoled {and} comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author {and} Promoter of peace will be with you. |
13:12 Greet one another with a consecrated kiss. |
13:13 All the saints (the people of God here) salute you. |
13:14 The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the presence {and} fellowship (the communion and sharing together, and participation) in the Holy Spirit be with you all. {Amen (so be it).} |