2Corinthians:12

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Seeker Overlay ON

* I MUST boast , though it is unprofitable . I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord . * I know a man in Christ fourteen years ago \'97 whether in the body I know not , or out of the body I know not ; God knows \'97 such a man caught up to the third heaven . * I know such a man \'97 whether in the body or out of the body I know not ; God knows \'97 * that he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words which it is not lawful for man to speak . * Of such a one I will boast , but of myself I will not boast except of my weaknesses . * Even if I choose to boast I shall not be foolish , for I shall speak the truth . But I guard myself that no one may think of me beyond what he sees me to be , or hears from me , * and because of the surpassing nature of the revelations . For this reason , that I should not be puffed up , there was given to me a thorn in the flesh , an angel of Satan , to torment me , so that I should not be puffed up . * Regarding this I three times begged the Lord that it might leave me . * But he has said to me , Most gladly then will I boast in my weaknesses , that the power of Christ may abide upon me . * Therefore I rejoice in weaknesses , in rough treatment , in necessities , in persecutions , in distresses for Christ 's sake ; for when I am weak , then I am strong . * I have become foolish ; you made me . For I ought to have been recommended by you . For in nothing have I been inferior to the most eminent apostles , even though I am nothing . * The signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience by miracles and wonders and deeds of power . * What is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the churches except that I was not a burden to you ? Forgive me this wrong . * Now this third time I am ready to come to you , and I shall not be a burden to you . For I am not seeking yours , but you . For the children ought not to lay up money for the parents , but the parents for the children . * And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls . If I love you too much , am I loved the less ? * Be that as it may , I was not a burden to you . But being crafty I caught you with cunning ? * Did I take advantage of you through any one of those I sent to you ? * I begged Titus to go , and I sent along with him the brother . Did Titus take advantage of you ? Did we not act in the same spirit and walk in the same steps ? * Are you thinking all this while that we are defending ourselves to you ? We are speaking before God in Christ . All this , beloved , is to build you up . * For I am afraid that when I come I shall not find you such as I wish , and I myself may not be found by you such as you wish . I am afraid that there may be strife , jealousy , anger , rivalry , slanders , whisperings , conceit , disorders . * I am afraid that when I come again my God may humble me in your presence , and that I shall grieve over many of those who have been long sinning and have not repented of the impurity and unchastity and sensuality which they have practiced .

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