2nd Corinthians 12

 

 

1 Though it was necessary to boast (to demonstrate my point), truly for me, it is not profitable. but I will move on now to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I know a man in Christ (who) fourteen years ago, {whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether apart from the body, I cannot tell: God knows;} that such a one was caught up (far above the heavens) to the third heaven.

3 And (I testify that) I know such a man, {whether in the body, or apart from the body, I cannot tell: God knows;}

4 How that he was caught up into (the) paradise (of God), and heard unspeakable words, which are not possible for a man to utter (or express).

5 Concerning such a man, I desire to boast: yet of myself (or my ability to exalt myself) I will not boast, but in my weaknesses.

6 For though I would desire to boast, I will not be a fool (that boasts in himself); for I will speak the truth: but now I refrain (from boasting), lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears from me.

7 And just in case I might be lifted up (in my heart) above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was infixed (and thrust) into me a thorn in the flesh (from the enemy), the messenger of Satan to beat (and contend against) me (everywhere I go), lest (I should think in myself I could) be exalted above (the) measure (and the strength of Christ Jesus my Lord).

8 For this thing I cried out to the Lord three times, so that it might depart from me.

9 And the Lord said to me, My grace is sufficient for you (to rest in Me as the One who is able to save you from death and exalt you unto life and immortality): for My strength is made perfect (and brought to completion even unto the certainty of immortality in your flesh) when you are weak and without strength (and you cry out to me resting from all your labors to preserve your own life). Therefore, I will most gladly glory in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.

10 Therefore, I take pleasure (in knowing that whether I am) in weaknesses, in accusations, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties for Christ's sake (that He is my sufficiency to be exalted unto life and immortality): for when I am weak (and without strength), then I am strong (in the power of His might).

11 I have become a fool; (but) you made it necessary for me (to boast). For I should have been commended by you: For in no way do I come behind the most prominent Apostles, even though I (myself) am nothing (but Christ in Me).

12 Truly the signs of an apostle (of Christ) were performed among you with all perseverance, (confirming the word) with signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds (proclaiming the gospel).

13 For what is it wherein you (thought that you) were inferior to other churches, except that I myself did not burden you (refusing to receive your support)? Forgive me if this hurts you.

14 Behold, (this is now) the third time I have purposed to come to (visit) you; and I will (continue to) not burden you: for I do not seek what is yours but you: because the children should not lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15 Now (know this) I will most gladly spend and spend to the uttermost (exhausting) all (I have) for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, (it seems) the less I am loved.

16 But be that as it may (the fact is), I did not burden you: nevertheless, (some have charged that) being crafty, I caught you with trickery.

17 Did I make any (personal) gain from you by any of them whom I sent to you (to receive the collection for the saints)?

18 I desired Titus (go to you), and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain from you? Do we not walk in the same spirit (and heart toward you)? Do we not walk in the same way?

19 All this time, have you been thinking that we have been defending ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ: moreover, beloved, we do all things for your edification.

20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I would like, and that I may not be found by as you would like: for I am concerned that there might be quarreling, jealousy, anger, factions, slander, gossiping, arrogance, disorder:

21 Lest when I come again, my God should humble me among you, and that I will weep (and wail in grief) over the many who have previously gone astray and have continued in the (same) uncleanness and fornication and excessive depravity (corruption of heart and mind) which they have committed (to their own harm).