2 Corinthians 12

1I must boast, though it is not beneficial. But I will turn to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2I know a certain 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 caught up to the third heaven.

3And I know such a man—whether in the body or outside the body, I do not know; God knows.

4that he was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words which no man is permitted to speak.

5I will boast on behalf of such a one, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.

6For if I should wish to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone think more highly of me than what he sees in me or hears from me.

7And because of the surpassing excellence of the revelations, lest I become overly proud, a thorn was given to me in the flesh—a messenger of Satan to batter me, lest I become overly proud.

8I pleaded with the Lord about this three times, that it might leave me.

9And he has said to me, "My grace is enough for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore I will most gladly boast all the more in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

11I have become a fool; you compelled me, for I deserved commendation from you, since in nothing did I fall short of the outstanding apostles, though I am nothing.

12Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience, in signs, wonders, and powers.

13For in what respect were you inferior to the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this injustice.

14See, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not burden you; for I do not seek what you have, but you—for children ought not to store up for parents, but parents for children.

15But I will most gladly spend and exhaust myself completely for your souls; if I love you more abundantly, am I loved less?

16But granted, I myself did not burden you; but being crafty, I caught you with deceit.

17Did I defraud you through any one of those whom I have sent to you?

18I urged Titus and sent a brother with him. Did Titus defraud you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

19Have you long supposed that we are defending ourselves to you? Before God in Christ we speak, but all things, beloved, are for your edification.

20For I fear lest somehow, when I come, I find you not such as I desire, and I am found by you such as you do not desire; lest somehow there be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, slanders, whisperings, conceits, tumults.

21lest when I come again my God humble me among you, and I mourn many of those who have sinned before and not repented of the uncleanness and sexual immorality and wantonness which they committed.