2Corinthians 12

1 It is necessary to boast, though it is not profitable. But I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:1

2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I do not know, or whether out of the body, I do not know; God knows), such a one was caught up into the third heaven.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:2

3 I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I do not know; God knows),NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:3

4 how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a human to utter.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:4

5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:5

6 For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:6

7 And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, therefore, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to pound away at me, to keep me from exalting myself.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:7

8 Concerning this thing, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:8

9 He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for 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.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:9

10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:10

11 I have become foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:11

12 Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty works.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:12

13 For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the churches, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:13

14 Look, for the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not what is yours, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:14

15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:15

16 But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:16

17 Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you?NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:17

18 I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Did not we walk in the same spirit? Did not we walk in the same steps?NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:18

19 Have you been thinking all this time that we have been defending ourselves before you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ; and all things, beloved, are for your edifying.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:19

20 For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you do not desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:20

21 that 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 and sexual immorality and lustfulness which they committed.NHEB — 2Corinthians 12:21