| Chapter 12 |
1 |
Well, it is not of profit to me to boast, for 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 out of the body I know not, God knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven. |
3 |
And I know such a man, (whether in the body or out of the body I know not, God knows;) |
4 |
that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable things said which it is not allowed to man to utter. |
5 |
Of such a one I will boast, but of myself I will not boast, unless in my weaknesses. |
6 |
For if I shall desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth; but I forbear, lest any one should think as to me above what he sees me to be, or whatever he may hear of me. |
7 |
And that I might not be exalted by the exceeding greatness of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn for the flesh, a messenger of Satan that he might buffet me, that I might not be exalted. |
8 |
For this I thrice besought the Lord that it might depart from me. |
9 |
And he said to me, My grace suffices thee; for my power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may dwell upon me. |
10 |
Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits, for Christ: for when I am weak, then I am powerful. |
11 |
I have become a fool; *ye* have compelled me; for *I* ought to have been commended by you; for I have been nothing behind those who were in surpassing degree apostles, if also I am nothing. |
12 |
The signs indeed of the apostle were wrought among you in all endurance, signs, and wonders, and works of power. |
13 |
For in what is it that ye have been inferior to the other assemblies, unless that I myself have not been in laziness a charge upon you? Forgive me this injury. |
14 |
Behold, this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be in laziness a charge; for I do not seek yours, but you; for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. |
15 |
Now *I* shall most gladly spend and be utterly spent for your souls, if even in abundantly loving you I should be less loved. |
16 |
But be it so. *I* did not burden you, but being crafty I took you by guile. |
17 |
Did I make gain of you by any of those whom I have sent to you? |
18 |
I begged Titus, and sent the brother with him: did Titus at all make gain of you? have we not walked in the same spirit? have we not in the same steps? |
19 |
Ye have long been supposing that we excuse ourselves to you: we speak before God in Christ; and all things, beloved, for your building up. |
20 |
For I fear lest perhaps coming I find you not such as I wish, and that *I* be found by you such as ye do not wish: lest there might be strifes, jealousies, angers, contentions, evil speakings, whisperings, puffings up, disturbances; |
21 |
lest my God should humble me as to you when I come again, and that I shall grieve over many of those who have sinned before, and have not repented as to the uncleanness and fornication and licentiousness which they have practised. |