2 Corinthians Chapter[BR] 12

1 It is necessary to boast; it is not helpful, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don't know; God knows.

3 I know that this man-- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--

2 Corinthians Chapter[BR] 12

4 was caught up into paradise. He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak.

5 I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses.

6 For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me,

2 Corinthians Chapter[BR] 12

7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself.

8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me.

9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.

2 Corinthians Chapter[BR] 12

10 So because of Christ, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in catastrophes, in persecutions, and in pressures. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

11 I have become a fool; you forced it on me. I ought to have been recommended by you, since I am in no way inferior to the "super-apostles," even though I am nothing.

12 The signs of an apostle were performed among you in all endurance-- not only signs but also wonders and miracles.

2 Corinthians Chapter[BR] 12

13 So in what way were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I personally did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!

14 Look! I am ready to come to you this third time. I will not burden you, for I am not seeking what is yours, but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

2 Corinthians Chapter[BR] 12

15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for you. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?

16 Now granted, I have not burdened you; yet sly as I am, I took you in by deceit!

17 Did I take advantage of you by anyone I sent you?

18 I urged Titus *to come , and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Didn't we walk in the same spirit and in the same footsteps?

2 Corinthians Chapter[BR] 12

19 You have thought all along that we were defending ourselves to you. *No , in the sight of God we are speaking in Christ, and everything, dear friends, is for building you up.

20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I will not find you to be what I want, and I may not be found by you to be what you want; there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.

2 Corinthians Chapter[BR] 12

21 I fear that when I come my God will again humiliate me in your presence, and I will grieve for many who sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and promiscuity they practiced.