2 Corinthians12

The Apostle Paul recounts a profound vision of a man (likely himself) caught up to the third heaven, where he heard unspeakable words. To prevent pride from these abundant revelations, he was given a "thorn in the flesh," which the Lord declared was a means for His strength to be perfected in Paul's weakness. Paul then defends his apostolic authority and financial integrity, expressing deep concern over the Corinthians' potential disunity and unrepentant sin upon his anticipated third visit.

Paul's Vision and Revelation

1
To boast, really, is not profitable for me, for I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2
I have known a man in Christ, fourteen years ago--whether in the body I have not known, whether out of the body I have not known, God hath known--such an one being caught away unto the third heaven;
3
and I have known such a man--whether in the body, whether out of the body, I have not known, God hath known, --
4
that he was caught away to the paradise, and heard unutterable sayings, that it is not possible for man to speak.
5
Of such an one I will boast, and of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities,
6
for if I may wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for truth I will say; but I forebear, lest any one in regard to me may think anything above what he doth see me, or doth hear anything of me;

The Thorn in the Flesh

7
and that by the exceeding greatness of the revelations I might not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of the Adversary, that he might buffet me, that I might not be exalted overmuch.
8
Concerning this thing thrice the Lord did I call upon, that it might depart from me,
9
and He said to me, `Sufficient for thee is My grace, for My power in infirmity is perfected;' most gladly, therefore, will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of the Christ may rest on me:
10
wherefore I am well pleased in infirmities, in damages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses--for Christ; for whenever I am infirm, then I am powerful;

Apostolic Credentials Defended

11
I have become a fool--boasting; ye--ye did compel me; for I ought by you to have been commended, for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles--even if I am nothing.
12
The signs, indeed, of the apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds,
13
for what is there in which ye were inferior to the rest of the assemblies, except that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this injustice!

Planning the Third Visit

14
Lo, a third time I am ready to come unto you, and I will not be a burden to you, for I seek not yours, but you, for the children ought not for the parents to lay up, but the parents for the children,
15
and I most gladly will spend and be entirely spent for your souls, even if, more abundantly loving you, less I am loved.
16
And be it so , I--I did not burden you, but being crafty, with guile I did take you;
17
any one of those whom I have sent unto you--by him did I take advantage of you?
18
I entreated Titus, and did send with him the brother; did Titus take advantage of you? in the same spirit did we not walk? --did we not in the same steps?
19
Again, think ye that to you we are making defence? before God in Christ do we speak; and the all things, beloved, are for your up-building,

Fear of Finding Unrepentance

20
for I fear lest, having come, not such as I wish I may find you, and I--I may be found by you such as ye do not wish, lest there be strifes, envyings, wraths, revelries, evil-speakings, whisperings, puffings up, insurrections,
21
lest again having come, my God may humble me in regard to you, and I may bewail many of those having sinned before, and not having reformed concerning the uncleanness, and whoredom, and lasciviousness, that they did practise.
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