This is the third time I am coming to you.
Every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15).I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone,
Paul quoted the stipulation of two or three witnesses to confirm an accusation, with reminding them that this will be his third visit. The issue was brought up during the second visit, and this letter is the second time the issue is addressed. So the third witness will be his third visit. So if it isn't resolved by then, that means it's time to take action.
since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
If the Corinthians are looking for the power and strength of Christ in Paul, then his third visit should prove it is there.
For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God.
Jesus appeared weak when He didn't retaliate or fight against His being taken, but meekly submitted to the torture and execution. But that time is past, and He now lives in the Power of the Holy Spirit.
For we also are weak in Him yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.
Paul also dealt with these brothers in meekness and gentleness, which appears to be weak to the World. But the power of God that worked in these very believers shows that God was working through Paul on their behalf.
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?
He's telling them to look at themselves, instead of Paul. They need to get their own house in order, before they listen to these detractors of Paul.
Anytime we are consistently focused on other's faults and ignoring our own failings, we probably need to take a reality test to make sure we're really trusting that Jesus took our place in death to wash us clean, and start acting like it.
But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test.
They know Paul. He's spent time with them, and they've gotten to know his character and personality and personal moral standard.
Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved.
Even if our reputation is in tatters, you should still do what is right, for your own sake.
For we can do nothing against the Truth, but only for the Truth.
Paul is still focused on supporting God's Truth about how we are to live together as brothers and sisters in Christ.
For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.
Paul doesn't care how he looks, as long as these beloved brothers and sisters can grow up and become mature in Christ.
For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
So he's writing this letter so they can get their stuff together before he comes and he won't need to be the stern disciplinarian when he comes, because the authority the Lord gave him as an Apostle is to build up and encourage, not to criticize and make demands.
Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace;
He sums up the whole letter here, briefly.
and the God of Love and peace will be with you.
When they succeed in these things, then they will be rewarded with the consequence of God being able to deal favorably with them. It will tear down the walls.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
This is the local custom of the day when recognizing union and fellowship within the family of God, and may also be a sign of mutual forgiveness and reconciliation.
All the saints greet you.
These would be the church members in Philippi, Thessalonica, and/or Berea, where Paul had recently been.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.
Paul ends this epistle with the unity of Spirit of the Trinity, which leaves no room for any discord, self-assertiveness or self-seeking, or any quarreling or factions.
The order: Son, Father, Spirit, reflects our Christian experience: It is through the grace shown by Christ in living and dying for men that God the Father demonstrates His Love, and the Spirit creates fellowship among us, filling our spirits.
O my Father, I pray for Your Church Universal today. I pray that we, as Your children, would display Your grace unto one another, looking only to serve by helping one another. Let Your Love for each of us be given to each other, overlooking weaknesses and irritations, forgiving insults and offenses, making amends for wrongs done, and reconciling relationships.
Strengthen us to present a united front to the World, storming the gates of Hell to rescue the perishing, who have fallen prey to the enemy's lies and the World's deceptions.
Send out Your workers, Father, into Your fields, white to harvest. Lead us to find every lost lamb caught in some ravine or tangled up in briar, to carry them home to the safety and rest of Your One Fold with One Shepherd.
And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is our Christ, the Lord God Almighty, sovereign King of the Universe, to the eternal glory of Almighty God the Father, forever and ever. Amen.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
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