Montgomery - II Corinthians - 12

12:1  I am forced to boast, though it is unprofitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. ;18 I urged Titus to go, and with him I sent our brother. Did Titus make gain of you? And did I not walk in the same spirit as he did? Did I not take the very same steps?

12:2  I know a Christian man who, fourteen years ago (whether in the body I know not, or out of the body, I know not. God knows), was caught up- -this man of whom I speak - even into the third heaven.

12:3  And I know such a man (whether in the body or apart from the body I know not, God knows),

12:4  who was caught up into Paradise, and heard unutterable words which no human being is permitted to utter.

12:5  Of such a one I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast except in my weaknesses.

12:6  If I should choose to continue boasting I should not be foolish, for I should be speaking the truth. But I refrain, lest by the stupendous grandeur of the revelation any one should estimate me beyond what he sees in me, or hears from me.

12:7  It was for this reason, lest I should be over-elated, that there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me, lest I should be over-elated.

12:8  Concerning this, three times over I supplicated the Lord that it might leave me;

12:9  but he has answered me. "My grace is sufficient for you; it is in weakness that my power is perfected."

12:10  Most gladly therefore will I boast rather of my weakness, that over me like a tent may be pitched the power of Christ. That is why I rejoice in weakness, in ill-treatment, in troubles, in persecutions and calamities for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

12:11  I am become a fool - you have forced me to; for you yourselves ought to have been my vindicators. In no respect am I inferior to these superapostolic apostles, even though I am nothing.

12:12  In truth the signs of the true apostle were wrought among you in all patience by signs and marvels and powers.

12:13  In what respect, then, were you inferior to the other churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

12:14  And now for the third time I am preparing to visit you. I will not be a burden to you, for I am not seeking yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

12:15  For my part, I will most gladly spend, yea, and will myself be spent, for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I to be loved the less?

12:16  But though it be granted that I was not a burden to you, yet, you say, this was my cunning with which I caught you by a trick.

12:17  Did I make gain of you through any of those whom I sent to you?

12:19  Do you think that all this time I am defending myself to you? It is before the presence of God that I am speaking in Christ; and all, beloved, for your upbuilding.

12:20  For I dread that perhaps, when I come, I may not find you to be such as I wish, and that I may be found by you such as you do not wish; I dread lest there should be quarrels, jealousy, tempers, party spirit, slandering, gossip, arrogance, tumults;

12:21  and lest when I come again my God may humble me before you, and lest I shall mourn for many those who have sinned before, and have not repented of the impurity and immorality and wantonness which they have practised.