2 Corinthians 13

1 This is the third time I am coming [to visit, to be present] to you. “Every matter [word, declaration] must be established [confirmed, verified] by the testimony [statement, witness] of two [a pair, a duo] or three [a trio, a group of three] witnesses [those who have seen or experienced].” word study 2 I already warned you [previously, as a prediction] the second time [on my previous visit] I was with you [in person, face to face]. So now in my absence [being away, not present] I warn those who sinned [committed wrongdoing, failed to meet God’s standards] earlier [before, previously] and everyone else [all the rest, the remaining ones]: If I return [come again, visit once more], I will not spare [show no leniency, treat severely] anyone [no one, not a single person], word study 3 since you are demanding [seeking, looking for] proof [a test, a trial] that Christ [the Anointed One, Messiah] is speaking [communicating, uttering words] through me. He is not weak [feeble, lacking power] in dealing with you, but is powerful [strong, able] among [in the midst of, with] you. word study 4 For He was indeed crucified [put to death on the cross, through weakness] in weakness [infirmity, frailty], yet He lives [has life, is resurrected] by God’s [the Father’s, divine] power [strength, miraculous ability]. And though we are weak [feeble, without strength] in Him, yet by God’s [the Father’s, divine] power [strength, ability to perform miracles] we will live [have life, be resurrected] with Him [together, in close association] to serve you [toward you, for your benefit]. word study 5 Examine [test, prove] yourselves to see whether you are in the [true, living] faith; test [try, prove] yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves [know, recognize] that Jesus Christ [the Messiah, the Anointed One] is in you—unless you actually [completely, utterly] fail the test [are rejected, disapproved]? word study 6 And I hope [to hope with confidence] you will realize [know and understand] that we [as servants of Christ] have not [completely] failed [been rejected or proven worthless] the test [of faith and obedience]. word study 7 Now we pray [with sincere desire] to God [the one true deity] that you will not do anything wrong [evil, harmful, or worthless]—not that we will appear [seem, be regarded] to have stood the test [been approved, proven genuine], but that you will do [accomplish, bring about] what is right [good, honorable, fair], even if we appear [seem, are regarded] to have failed [been disapproved, rejected]. word study 8 For we cannot [are not able, have no power] do anything against [in opposition to, contrary to] the truth [reality, authenticity], but only [exclusively, solely] for [in support of, on behalf of] the truth [God’s true message, Christian doctrine]. word study 9 In fact, we rejoice [are glad, happy] when we are weak [feeble, without strength] but you are strong [powerful, able], and our prayer [wish, desire] is for your perfection [complete, mature, having God’s nature]. word study 10 This is why [because of this reason] I write [record, set down in writing] these things while [being, in a state of] absent [away, not present], so that when I am present [near, with you] I will not need to be [have to, must be] severe [harsh, abrupt] in my use of the authority [power, freedom to act] that the Lord [God, Master] gave [bestowed, granted] me for [toward, unto] building you up [edifying, constructing spiritually], not [rather than, on the contrary] for [toward, unto] tearing you down [destroying, demolishing]. word study 11 Finally, brothers [brethren, fellow believers], rejoice [be glad, be joyful]! Aim for perfect [complete, mature] harmony, encourage [comfort, plead with] one another, be of one mind [think soberly, have the same thoughts], live in peace [be at peace, have harmony]. And the God [the supreme deity] of love [unconditional affection] and peace [harmony, prosperity] will be with [accompany, be among] you. word study 12 Greet [salute, give a holy welcome to] one another [each other, mutually] with a [Christian, set apart] holy [divine, sacred] kiss [a symbol of love and respect, a sign of affection]. word study 13 All [every single one, the entire community] the saints [holy ones, set apart for God] send [pay respects to, greet with affection] you [as dear friends, with love] greetings [salutations, warm regards]. word study 14 The [unmerited favor, graciousness] grace of the Lord [Master, Savior] Jesus [God is salvation] Christ [the Anointed One], and the [unconditional, divine] love of God [the Almighty, Creator], and the [participation, partnership] fellowship [communion] of the Holy [set apart, sacred] Spirit be with [among, accompanying] all [every, entire] of you. word study