2 Corinthians 12:1-18 ▼

1 It is necessary to boast; it is not profitable indeed, but I will go to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago—whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know; God knows—such a man, having been caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know; God knows—

4 that he was caught up into Paradise, and he heard inexpressible words, not being permitted to man to speak.

5 On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on behalf of myself I will not boast, except in the weaknesses.

6 For if I should want to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should reckon to me above what he sees in me or anything he hears of me,

7 and the surpassingness of the revelations. Therefore, so that I should not be over-exalted, a thorn in my flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, so that I should not be over-exalted.

8 Three times I entreated the Lord for this, that it might depart from me.

9 And He has said to me, “My grace suffices for you, for the power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, rather, I will boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I am well pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions and difficulties—for Christ; for when I may be weak, then I am powerful.

11 I have become a fool; you⁺ compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you⁺. For in nothing was I lacking to the “most eminent apostles,” even if I am nothing.

12 Indeed, the signs of the apostle were performed among you⁺ in all perseverance, both in signs and wonders and miracles.

13 For in what is it that you⁺ were inferior beyond the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you⁺? Forgive me this wrong!

14 Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you⁺, and I will not be a burden. For I do not seek what is yours⁺, but you⁺. For the children ought not to treasure up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15 Now I will spend most gladly, and will be utterly spent for your⁺ souls. If loving you⁺ more abundantly, am I loved less?

16 But be it so, I did not burden you⁺; but being crafty, I took you⁺ by trickery.

17 By any of whom I have sent to you⁺, did I take advantage of you⁺ by him?

18 I exhorted Titus to go, and I sent with him the brother. Did Titus take advantage of you⁺? Did we not walk in the same Spirit? Not in the same footsteps?