2 Corinthians 12:1-16 ▼

1 It is needful for me to glory, though , indeed, not profitable; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body I know not, or whether out of the body I know not, God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the Third Heaven.

3 And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not, God knoweth),

4 that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unutterable sayings, which it is not lawful for a man to speak.

5 On behalf of such a one I will glory; but on my own behalf I will not glory, except in my weaknesses.

6 For, if I should desire to glory, I would not be foolish, for I shall be speaking truth; but I forbear, lest some one should think, in regard to me, above what he sees me to be , or hears from me.

7 And, that I might not be exalted overmuch by the exceeding greatness of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I might not be exalted overmuch.

8 Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And He hath said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you; for My power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Wherefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I powerful.

11 I have become foolish; ye compelled me; for I ought to be commended by you; for in nothing was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even if I am nothing.

12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought out among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.

13 For what is there in which ye were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong!

14 Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you; for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15 And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I to be loved the less?

16 But be it so , I did not burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.