[1] It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. 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 don`t know, or whether out of the body, I don`t
know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven. [3] I know
such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I don`t know; God
knows), [4] how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable
words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. [5] On behalf of such a
one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my
weaknesses. [6] For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for
I will speak the truth. But I forbear, so that no man may account of me
above that which he sees in me, or hears from me. [7] By reason of the
exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted
excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of
Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted excessively. [8]
Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart
from me. [9] He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. [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. [11] I have become foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have
been commended by you, for in nothing was I behind the very best apostles,
though I am nothing. [12] Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among
you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works. [13] For what
is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies,
unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong.
[14] Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will
not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the
children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the
children. [15] I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I
love you more abundantly, am I loved the less? [16] But be it so, I did not
myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception. [17] Did
I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you? [18] I
exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any
advantage of you? Didn`t we walk in the same spirit? Didn`t we walk in the
same steps? [19] Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you?
In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for
your edifying. [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
don`t desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts
of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots; [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.
