LITV - II Corinthians - 12

12:1  Indeed, to boast is not profitable to me, for I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

12:2  I know a man in Christ fourteen years before--whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third Heaven.

12:3  And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know; God knows--

12:4  that he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words which it is not permissible for a man to speak.

12:5  On behalf of such a one I will boast. But I will not boast on my behalf, except in my weaknesses.

12:6  For if I desire to boast, I will not be foolish, for I speak the truth. But I spare, lest anyone reckons me to be beyond what he sees me or hears of me.

12:7  And by surpassing revelations, that I not be made haughty, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, that he might buffet me, that I not be made haughty.

12:8  Beyond this I entreated the Lord three times, that it depart from me.

12:9  And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness. Therefore, I will rather gladly boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me.

12:10  Because of this, I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in dire needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for the sake of Christ. For when I may be weak, then I am powerful.

12:11  Boasting, I have become foolish. You compelled me. For I ought to be commended by you, for I lacked nothing of the highest apostles, even though I am nothing.

12:12  Truly the signs of the apostle were worked out among you in all patience, in miracles, and in wonders, and by works of power.

12:13  For what is it in which you were less than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong.

12:14  Behold, I am ready to come to you a third time . And I will not burden you, for I do not seek your things, but you. For the children ought not to lay up treasure for the parents, but the parents for the children.

12:15  But I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls, even if loving you more and more, I am loved the less.

12:16  But let it be so, I did not burden you; but being crafty, I caught you with bait.

12:17  By any whom I have sent to you, did I overreach you by him?

12:18  I begged Titus and sent the brother with him . Did Titus overreach you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

12:19  Again, do you think we are defending to you? We speak before God in Christ, but in all things for your building up, beloved.

12:20  For I fear lest somehow coming I not find you as I wish, and I be found by you such as you do not wish; lest somehow there be strifes, envyings, angers, rivalries, evil speakings, whisperings, proud thoughts, disturbances;

12:21  that in my coming again, my God may not humble me with you, and I shall mourn many of those previously sinning and not repenting over the uncleanness and fornication and lustfulness which they have practiced.