2Cor 12
1
I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; 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 knows), 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
knows),
4
how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is
not lawful for a man to utter.
5
On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save
in [my] weaknesses.
6
For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth:
but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he sees me [to be],
or hears from me.
7
And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be
exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan
to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.
8
Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9
And he has 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 injuries, in necessities, in persecutions,
in distresses, for Christ`s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
11
I am become foolish: you compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you:
for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.
12
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and
wonders and mighty works.
13
For what is there wherein you were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except
[it be] that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.
14
Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden
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 loved the less?
16
But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
17
Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent to you?
18
I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of
you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?
19
You think all this time that we are excusing ourselves to you. In the sight of God
speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, [are] for your edifying.
20
For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would,
and should myself be found of you such as you would not; lest by any means [there
should be] strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings,
tumults;
21
lest again when I come my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for
many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and
fornication and lasciviousness which they committed.