2 Corinthians 12

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

12:1 It is necessary to go on boasting.1 Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven. 12:3 And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows) 12:4 was caught up into paradise2 and heard things too sacred to be put into words,3 things that a person4 is not permitted to speak. 12:5 On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. 12:6 For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling5 the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard6 me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me, 12:7 even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore,7 so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble8 me – so that I would not become arrogant.9 12:8 I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. 12:9 But10 he said to me, “My grace is enough11 for you, for my12 power is made perfect13 in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly14 about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in15 me. 12:10 Therefore I am content with16 weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties17 for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

The Signs of an Apostle

12:11 I have become a fool. You yourselves forced me to do it, for I should have been commended by you. For I lack nothing in comparison18 to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12:12 Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance19 by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.20 12:13 For how21 were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this injustice! 12:14 Look, for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you, because I do not want your possessions, but you. For children should not have22 to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 12:15 Now I will most gladly spend and be spent for your lives!23 If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 12:16 But be that as it may, I have not burdened you. Yet because I was a crafty person, I took you in by deceit! 12:17 I have not taken advantage of you through anyone I have sent to you, have I?24 12:18 I urged Titus to visit you25 and I sent our26 brother along with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he?27 Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit? Did we not behave in the same way?28 12:19 Have you been thinking all this time29 that we have been defending ourselves to you? We are speaking in Christ before God, and everything we do, dear friends, is to build you up.30 12:20 For I am afraid that somehow when I come I will not find you what I wish, and you will find me31 not what you wish. I am afraid that32 somehow there may be quarreling, jealousy, intense anger, selfish ambition,33 slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 12:21 I am afraid that34 when I come again, my God may humiliate me before you, and I will grieve for35 many of those who previously sinned and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practiced.

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