1 This will be my third visit to you. Scripture says, "Every matter must be proved by the words of two or three witnesses." (Deuteronomy 19:15)
2 I already warned you during my second visit. I now say it again while I'm away. When I return, I won't spare those who sinned earlier. I won't spare any of the others either.
3 You are asking me to prove that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you. He is powerful among you.
4 It is true that Christ was nailed to the cross because he was weak. But he lives by God's power. In the same way, I share his weakness. But by God's power I will live with him to serve you.
5 Take a good look at yourselves to see if you are really believers. Test yourselves. Don't you realize that Christ Jesus is in you? Unless, of course, you fail the test!
6 I hope you will discover that I haven't failed the test.
7 I pray to God that you won't do anything wrong. I don't pray so that people will see that I have passed the test. Instead, I pray so that you will do what is right, even if it seems I have failed.