Williams(i)
1 This is my third visit to you. Any charge preferred must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
2 I have already warned those who formerly committed shocking sins, and all the rest, and though so far away I warn them now, as I did on my second visit, that if I come back I will not spare them,
3 since you demand a proof that Christ is speaking through me. For Christ is not exhibiting weakness toward you but power in you.
4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet by the power of God He goes on living. We too, indeed, show weakness through our union with Him, yet by the power of God we too shall be alive toward you through fellowship with Him.
5 You yourselves must continue testing yourselves to see whether you are continuing in the faith. You must continue standing the test. Do you not know by a growing experience that Jesus Christ is in you? -- provided you stand the test.
6 Now I hope that you will learn that I am standing the test.
7 But I am praying God that you may never do anything wrong, not to show that I am standing the test, but that you should continue doing right, though I should fail to stand the test.
8 For I cannot do anything against the truth, but only for it.
9 I am glad to be consciously weak, if you are really strong. This is my continual prayer, the perfecting of your characters.
10 This is why I am writing this while far away from you, that when I do come, I may not have to deal harshly with you in accordance with the authority which the Lord has given me, for building you up, not for tearing you down.
11 Finally, brothers, goodbye! Practice the perfecting of your characters, keep listening to my appeals, continue thinking in harmony and living in peace, and the loving, peace-giving God will be with you.
12 Greet one another with a sacred kiss.
13 All God's people wish to be remembered to you.
14 The spiritual blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the common sharing of the Holy Spirit be with you all.