121It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast, but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.+2I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago—whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows.+3I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don’t know; God knows),+4how he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.+
Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace
5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.+6For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me.+7By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.+8Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.+9He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.+10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.+
Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
11I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.+12Truly the signs of an apostle were worked amongst you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works.+13For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!+14Behold, 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 your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.+15I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?+16Even so, I myself didn’t burden you. But you might say that being crafty, I caught you with deception.+17Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you?+18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same steps?+19Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.+20For I am afraid that perhaps when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire, that perhaps there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, or riots,+21that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lustfulness which they committed.+
World English Bible (British)
World English Bible, British Edition. Public domain.
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