This is an introduction for our study in First Thessalonians

These are Paul's last recorded words to the Corinthians. Paul prays for the restoration of the Corinthian church. Paul gives his benediction of the grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God and fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Paul begins to close the letter. Paul prays for the Corinthians. He prays that they will not oppose the truth but will instead stand for the truth.

He tells the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they are in the faith. The faith is the teaching of the apostles, the foundation of faith. We they pass the test Christ is in them. If not, he is not in them.

Paul tells the Corinthians that he is coming in power. He says he is weak but the power of God is in him because he is in Christ. It is this power that will deal with you.

Paul again mentions his third time in coming too the Corinthians. He is warning them of his coming. He will spare those who continue in sin.

Paul tells the people that he knows that God is watching him and that he is speaking in Christ or in the anointing of Christ, or even in Christ's place. Paul admits to being concerned about the spiritual condition that he will find when he comes.

Even though Paul was accused of be crafty in his dealings with the Corinthians he says he never took advantage of them. Neither did Titus and the person traveling with him.

In this verse we see the heart of Paul. Paul would spend and be expended for sake of the souls of the Corinthians. He was not guaranteed to be loved in return.

Paul is planning on coming to the Corinthians for the third time. This time he will not be a burden also. Paul is treating the people like he is their parent.