AICNT 2COR chapter 12

12 {Boasting is necessary, though not beneficial};[fn] , but I will proceed to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - 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. 3 And I know such a man — whether in the body or {apart}[fn] from the body I do not know, God knows — 4 that he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast; but I will not boast about myself, except in {the}[fn] weaknesses.

6 For if I should choose to boast, I will not be foolish, for I will speak the truth; but I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what they see me or hear from me. 7 And {because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become conceited, a thorn in the flesh was given to me},[fn] an angel of Satan, to torment me, so that I would not become conceited. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

9 And he has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for [[my]][fn] power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell upon me. 10 For this reason, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, {and}[fn] distresses for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

11 I have become a fool [[in boasting]],[fn] you compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for I was not inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, {by}[fn] signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

13 For in what respect were you treated as {inferior to}[fn] the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!

14 Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden [[to you]];[fn] for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself; But being crafty, I took you by deceit.

17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not follow the same footsteps?

19 {Do you think that we have been}[fn] defending ourselves to you. We speak before God in Christ; but all things, beloved, are for your edification. 20 For I fear that perhaps when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and I may be found by you as you do not wish; perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again, my God may humble me before you, and I may mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.

12:1, Boasting is necessary, though not beneficial: Later manuscripts read “Indeed, boasting does not benefit me.” BYZ TR

12:3, apart: NA28 SBLGNT ‖ Some manuscripts read “outside.” THGNT BYZ TR

12:5, if not in the: Later manuscripts read “except in my.” BYZ TR

12:7, Later manuscripts read “And to keep me from being too elated because of the abundance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh.” BYZ TR

12:9, the: Later manuscripts read “my.” BYZ TR

12:10, and: Later manuscripts read “ in.” BYZ TR

12:11, in boasting:Later manuscripts add. BYZ TR

12:12, by: Later manuscripts read “in.” BYZ TR

12:13, inferior to: Later manuscripts read “overcome by.” BYZ TR

12:14, to you: Later manuscripts add. BYZ TR

12:19, Do you think that we have been: Later manuscripts read “Again, it seems that we are.” BYZ TR

AICNT 2COR Chapter 12