2 Corinthians 12:1-18 ▼

1 BOASTING is proper, but there is no advantage in it, and I prefer to relate the visions and revelations of our LORD.

2 I knew a man in Christ more than fourteen years ago, but whether I knew him in the body or without the body, I do not know: God knows; this very one was caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I still know this man, but whether in the body or whether without the body, I cannot tell; God knows;

4 How that he was caught up to paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5 Of such a person, I will boast; but of myself, I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.

6 But even if I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will tell the truth: but now I refrain, lest any one should think more of me than what he sees me to be and what he hears from me.

7 And lest I should be exalted through the abundance of the revelations, there was delivered to me a thorn in my flesh, the angel of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted.

8 Three times I besought my LORD concerning this thing, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I am content with infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments for Christ’s sake: for when I am physically weak, then I am mentally strong.

11 Behold, I am foolish to boast but you have forced me: for you ought to have testified concerning me: for in no way am I less than those apostles who are highly honored, though I am nothing.

12 The miracles which the apostles have wrought I have wrought among you also in all patience, in signs, in wonders, and mighty deeds.

13 For what do you lack that other churches have, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this “fault”!

14 Behold, this is the third time I am prepared to come to you; and I will not burden you; for I seek nothing from you, but yourselves: for children are not under obligation to lay up treasure for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15 I will gladly pay my expenses, and I will even give myself for the sake of your souls; though the more I love you, the less you love me.

16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless as a shrewd man, I caught you with guile:

17 Why? Did I extort anything from you by any of the men whom I sent to you?

18 I requested Titus to visit you, and I sent brethren with him. Did Titus extort anything from you? Did we not walk in the same spirit, and did we not walk in the same steps?