New Testament · Letters

2 Corinthians chapter 12

I have to keep . There’s nothing to gain from it, but I’ll move on to from the .I know someone in who fourteen years ago was to the . Whether it was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know — God knows.And I know that this person — whether in the body or apart from the body, I don’t know, God knows —was caught up into and heard things , things no human being is allowed to speak.I’ll boast about that person, but I won’t boast about myself — except about my .Even if I did decide to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I’d be telling the truth. But I’ll hold back, so that no one gives me credit beyond what they see me do or hear me say.So to keep me from getting an inflated ego because of these extraordinary revelations, I was given a — a messenger from the to me and keep me from becoming arrogant. I the Lord to take it away from me.But he told me, “My is all you need. My in weakness.” So I’ll gladly boast about my weaknesses even more, so that the power of the One can in me.That’s why I’m actually weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecution, and being — all for the sake of the One. Because when I’m weak, that’s when I’m actually strong.I’ve been acting like a fool — but you forced me into it! You should have been the ones speaking up for me. I’m not one bit inferior to those ‘,’ even though I’m nothing.The signs that prove someone is a genuine apostle — — were consistently demonstrated among you, and I despite everything.How exactly were you treated worse than the other , except that I personally didn’t burden you financially? Look, this is the third time I’m ready to come visit you, and I’m still not going to be a burden. I don’t want your money — I want you. After all, aren’t supposed to save up for their parents; parents save up for their children.I’ll gladly — and — for your sake. If I love you more, does that mean I get loved less in return?Fine, you admit I wasn’t a burden to you. But some of you are saying I was — that I caught you through some kind of .Did I of you through any of the people I sent? Not a chance.I urged to visit you, and I sent our brother along with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Didn’t we operate with the exact same ? Didn’t we walk the exact same path?Have you been thinking this whole time that we’ve been defending ourselves to you? We’re speaking before God as people who belong to . And everything we do, dear friends, is to .I’m afraid that when I come, I might not find you the way I want to — and you might not find me the way you want to either. I’m afraid there might be , jealousy, angry outbursts, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and .I’m afraid that when I come again, my God might in front of you, and I’ll end up over many who kept on and — never turned away from the , the , and the they’d been living in.