Paul’s Revelation
1 It is doubtless not profitable for 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 don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know–God knows) who was caught up into the third heaven. 3 I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of 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 be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me.
Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace
7 Because of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment 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 I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Concern for the Corinthian Church
10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in hardship, in persecution, and in difficulties, 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 I am in no way inferior to the “super apostles”, though I am nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what way were you inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong.
14 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 sake. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved less?
16 Even so, I myself did not burden you. “But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.” 17 Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you? 18 I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not 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 edification. 20 For I am afraid that by any means, when I come to you, I might find you, not the way I want to, and that you might find me, not the way you want–that there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whispering, proud thoughts, or 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, sexual immorality, and lust which they committed.