2 Cor. 12:1 |
To boast is necessary, [though] indeed not expedient; yet I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. |
2 Cor. 12:2 |
I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body I do not know, or outside the body I do not know; God knows) such a one was caught away to the third heaven. |
2 Cor. 12:3 |
And I know such a man (whether in the body or outside the body, I do not know; God knows), |
2 Cor. 12:4 |
That he was caught away into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not allowed for a man to speak. |
2 Cor. 12:5 |
On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on behalf of myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. |
2 Cor. 12:6 |
For if I desire to boast, I will not be foolish, for I will speak the truth; but I refrain lest anyone account of me [something] above what he sees me [to be] or hears from me. |
2 Cor. 12:7 |
And because of the transcendence of the revelations, in order that I might not be exceedingly lifted up, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, in order that I might not be exceedingly lifted up. |
2 Cor. 12:8 |
Concerning this I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. |
2 Cor. 12:9 |
And He has said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather boast in my weaknesses that the power of Christ might tabernacle over me. |
2 Cor. 12:10 |
Therefore I am well pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions and distresses, on behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am powerful. |
2 Cor. 12:11 |
I have become foolish; you yourselves have compelled me. For [it is] I [who] should have been commended by you; for in nothing am I inferior to the super- apostles, even though I am nothing. |
2 Cor. 12:12 |
Indeed the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all endurance by signs and wonders and works of power. |
2 Cor. 12:13 |
For what is there in which you were treated in a manner inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Graciously forgive me this injustice! |
2 Cor. 12:14 |
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 store up for the parents, but the parents for the children. |
2 Cor. 12:15 |
But I, I will most gladly spend and be utterly spent on behalf of your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved less? |
2 Cor. 12:16 |
But let it be [so!] I did not burden you; but, [as some of you say,] being crafty, I took you by guile. |
2 Cor. 12:17 |
Did I take advantage of you through anyone whom I have sent to you? |
2 Cor. 12:18 |
I entreated Titus and sent with [him] the brother. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not walk in the same spirit? In the same steps? |
2 Cor. 12:19 |
All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Before God in Christ we speak; but all things, beloved, [are] for your building up. |
2 Cor. 12:20 |
For I fear that perhaps when I come, I may find you not such as I wish, and I may be found by you not such as you wish; that perhaps [there may be] strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slanders, whisperings, demonstrations of being puffed up, tumults; |
2 Cor. 12:21 |
That when I come again my God may humble me before you and I may mourn over many who have sinned before and who have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and licentiousness which they have practiced. |