2 Corinthians 12

1 To boast indeed does not become me: but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not, God knoweth) 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, 4 I know not, God knoweth) that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unutterable words, which it is not permitted unto man to speak. 5 Of such a one I will boast; but of myself I will not boast, unless in my infirmities. 6 For though I should incline to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I should speak truth. But I forbear least any should think of me above what he seeth me or heareth from me. 7 And least I should be too much lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, least I should be too much elevated. 8 For this I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And He said unto me, weakness."} With the greatest pleasure therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 And therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in straits for the sake of Christ: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 11 Am I become vain boasting? ye have forced me for I ought to have been recommended by you, as I have in nothing fallen short of the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing. 12 The marks indeed of an apostle have been shewn among you with all patience, by signs, and wonders, and miracles. 13 For what is it that ye were inferior to the rest of the churches, unless that I myself was not burdensome to you?— Forgive me this injury. 14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your but your For children are not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will with the greatest pleasure spend and be spent for your souls; even though the more I love you, the less I be loved. 16 Be it I did not burden you yet, being crafty I over-reached you by subtilty. 17 did I make a gain of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I desired Titus and with I sent a brother: did Titus make a gain of you? did we not walk in the same spirit? not in the same steps? 19 Do ye then think that we are making apologies to you? we speak before God in Christ: and all, beloved, for your edification. 20 For I am afraid least when I come, I should not find you such as I wish, and I should be found to you such as ye would not: least contentions, emulations, animosities, strifes, thwartings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: least, 21 when I come again, my God should humble me among you, and I should be grieved for many of those who have sinned heretofore, and have not repented of the impurity, and fornication, and lewdness which they have practised.