2 Corinthians 12:1-10 ▼

1 It is necessary to go on boasting. Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

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.

3 And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows)

4 was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak.

5 On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.

6 For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me,

7 even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me--so that I would not become arrogant.

8 I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me.

9 But he said to me, |My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.| So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me.

10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.