2 Corinthians 13

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

1This will be my third visit to you. The rule says every matter must be proven by two or three witnesses.

2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

2I warned you when I was with you the second time. Now I am far away, and I warn you again. This is for those who sinned before, and for everyone else. If I come again, I will not go easy on anyone.

3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

3You keep asking for proof that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak with you. He is strong among you.

4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

4Jesus was weak when he died on the cross. But he is alive now by God's power. We are weak too, just as he was. But by God's power we will live with him and help you.

5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

5Look closely at yourselves. Are you really trusting God? Test yourselves. Can't you see that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless you do not pass the test.

NoteThe old word here is "reprobates." It means people who do not pass the test.

6But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

6And I hope you will see that we have passed the test.

7Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

7We pray to God that you will do nothing wrong. We do not pray this so that we look good. We pray it so you will do what is right. That is true even if we look like we failed.

8For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

8We cannot do anything against the truth. We can only work for the truth.

9For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

9We are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And we pray that you will be made whole and complete.

10Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

10So I write these things while I am away. Then I will not have to be harsh when I come. The Lord gave me this power to build you up, not to tear you down.

11Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

11Last of all, my friends, be glad. Work at being whole. Cheer each other up. Agree with one another. Live in peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

12Greet one another with an holy kiss.

12Say hello to each other with a holy kiss.

NoteBack then, a kiss on the cheek was a normal way for friends to say hello, like a handshake or a hug today.

13All the saints salute you.

13All of God's people here send you their greetings.

14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

14May the Lord Jesus Christ be kind to you. May God's love be with you. May the Holy Spirit join you all together. Amen.

Note"Amen" is a word people said at the end of a prayer. It means "yes, let it be so."