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◄ AICNT 2 COR ►

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2CO EN_AICNT_20250713

[fn] 1 Paul, an apostle of {Christ[fn] Jesus}[fn] by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, together with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

5 For just as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also through Christ [our][fn] comfort abounds.

6 Whether we are afflicted, it is for your encouragement [and salvation];[fn] [Whether we are encouraged,][fn] it is for your encouragement which is at work in the endurance of the same sufferings [of which we also suffer.][fn] 7 [And our hope for you is firm, knowing that as you are sharers of the sufferings,][fn] so also you are of the encouragement.[fn] [[And our hope is firm concerning you; whether we are comforted, it is for your encouragement and salvation.]][fn]

8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning our affliction that happened [[to us]][fn] in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living. 9 But we ourselves have held the sentence of death within us, so that we might not[fn] trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who has delivered us from such a deadly peril [, and he will deliver us];[fn] in him we have placed our hope [that][fn] he will also yet deliver us, 11 as you [also][fn] help together by prayer for us, so that the gift to us by means of many persons may be thankfully acknowledged by many on our behalf.

12 For our boasting is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and sincerity of God, [and][fn] not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we conducted ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you. 13 For we write no other things to you than what you read [or][fn] also recognize; and I hope that you will recognize them fully [[even]][fn] until the end, 14 Just as you also recognized us in part, that we are your boast, just as you also are ours, in the day of [our][fn] Lord Jesus.

15 And in this confidence I intended to come to you [before],[fn] so that you might have a second grace, 16 and through you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be sent on my way to Judea by you.

17 Therefore, when I was intending this, did I use lightness? Or do I plan according to the flesh, so that with me there should be “Yes, yes” and “No, no”? 18 But as God is faithful, that our word to you is not [[become]][fn] “Yes” and “No.” 19 For the Son of God, {Jesus Christ},[fn] who was preached among you by us, by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him has been “Yes.” 20 For as many of the promises of God in him are “Yes”; therefore also {through}[fn] him is the “Amen” to the glory of God through us.

21 Now the one who establishes us together with you in Christ and anointed[fn] us is God, 22 who also sealed us and gave the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

23 But I call upon God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.

2 {For}[fn] I decided this for myself, not to come again to you in sorrow. 2 For if I cause you sorrow, who is there to cheer me if not the one who is made sorrowful by me?

3 And I wrote [[to you]][fn] this very thing, so that when I come, I may not have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice, having confidence in all of you that my joy is the joy of all of you. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly for you.

5 But if anyone has caused sorrow, it is not me they have caused sorrow, but to some extent (that I may not be a burden)[fn] all of you.

6 Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, 7 so that on the contrary you should [rather][fn] forgive and comfort, lest somehow such a one be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For to this end also I wrote, in order that I might know your proven character, whether you are obedient in all things.

10 To whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, it was for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we might not be taken advantage of by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

12 Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and a door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit because I did not find Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia.

14 [[But]][fn] Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ [[Jesus]],[fn] and manifests through us the fragrance of the knowledge of him in every place. 15 For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not like the {many},[fn] peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, before God, in Christ we speak.

3 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? {Or do we}[fn] need, as some do, letters [[of recommendation]][fn] to you or from you?

2 You are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, ministered by us, [[and]][fn] written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God.

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything [as][fn] of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

7 Now if the ministry of {death},[fn] engraved in letters on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, which was fading away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be even more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory.

10 For indeed, what had been glorious in this case has not been glorified on account of the surpassing glory. 11 For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

12 Therefore, having such a hope, we use great boldness, 13 and not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently {at the end}[fn] of what was fading away. 14 But their minds were hardened. For until this very day the same veil remains upon the reading of the old covenant, not being unveiled, because it is abolished in Christ. 15 But to this day, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their hearts; 16 but whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

18 And we [all],[fn] with unveiled faces, beholding the glory of the Lord as in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

4 Therefore, having this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.

2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

3 [And][fn] Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whom the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of {Christ},[fn] who is the image of God.

5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.

6 For God, who said, “Out of darkness light shall shine,”[fn] is the one who shone in our hearts for the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of {God}[fn] in the face [of Jesus][fn] Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us; 8 being pressed in every way but not crushed, being perplexed {but}[fn] not in despair, 9 being persecuted but not abandoned, being struck down but not destroyed, 10 always carrying around in the body the dying of [[the Lord]][fn] Jesus, so that the life of Jesus [[Christ]][fn] may also be revealed in our body.

11 For we who live are always being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of {Jesus}[fn] [also][fn] may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then, [[indeed]][fn] death is at work in us, but life in you.

13 And having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,”[fn] we also believe, therefore we also speak, 14 knowing that he who raised [the Lord][fn] Jesus will raise us also {with}[fn] Jesus and will present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sake, so that the grace, having abounded through the many, may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but even if our outer person is being destroyed, yet {our}[fn] inner person is being renewed day by day.

17 For {our}[fn] momentary light affliction is producing for us, beyond all measure [unto surpassing measure],[fn] an eternal weight of glory, 18 as we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

5 For we know that if our earthly house, the tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 And indeed, in this we groan, longing to put on our dwelling from heaven, 3 if indeed, having {put it on},[fn] we will not be found naked.

4 For indeed, we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that the mortal may be swallowed up by life.

5 Now the one who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the down payment of the Spirit.

6 Therefore, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are away from the Lord; 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.

8 We are confident, yes, and prefer rather to be away from the body and to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore, we [also][fn] make it our aim, whether at home or away, to be pleasing to him.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in[fn] the body, whether good or {bad}.[fn]

11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope also to be made manifest in your consciences.

12 [[For]][fn] We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity for boasting on our behalf, so that you may have something to say to those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are in our right minds, it is for you.

14 For the love of {Christ}[fn] compels us, having concluded this: that [[if]][fn] one died for all, therefore all [died];[fn] 15 And he died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died and was raised for them.

16 So from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh; even if we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him in this way no longer.

17 So if anyone is in Christ, a new creation; the old things have passed away, behold, {new things have come}.[fn] 18 And all these things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through [[Jesus]][fn] Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 as that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the {message}[fn] of reconciliation.

20 [Therefore,][fn] We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his appeal through us; we implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

21 [[For]][fn] The one not knowing sin, for our sake, was made sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.

6 And working together, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain; 2 for he says, “In an acceptable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I helped you.”[fn]

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation: 3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry may not be discredited, 4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in disturbances, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings, 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8 through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; as deceivers and [[behold]][fn] yet true, 9 as unknown and yet well-known, as dying and behold, we live, as disciplined and yet not put to death, 10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing everything.

11 Our mouth has spoken openly to you, Corinthians, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. 13 Now in the same way as a fair exchange, I speak as to children, open wide your hearts also.

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, {or}[fn] what fellowship has light with darkness?

15 What agreement has Christ with Belial,[fn] or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For {we}[fn] are the temple of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”[fn]

17 “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate,” says the Lord, and “do not touch anything unclean; and I will receive you.”[fn]

18 “And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,” says the Lord Almighty.[fn]

7 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Make room for us; we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my boldness toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf; I am filled with encouragement, I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.

5 For when we came into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted in every way: battles on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the humble, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.

8 For even if I caused you sorrow with my letter, I do not regret it; even if I did regret it, I see [for][fn] that letter, even if for a short time, caused you sorrow. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repentance; for you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

10 For godly grief {works}[fn] a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong, nor on account of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. 13 Because of this, we are comforted.

And besides {our}[fn] own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For whatever boast I made to him about you, I was not put to shame; but just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true. 15 And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you [all],[fn] how you received him with fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.

8 Now we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. 3 For according to their ability, I testify, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily, 4 with much urging, requesting from us [[to receive]][fn] the grace and the fellowship of the ministry to the saints, 5 and not as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to {the Lord}[fn] and to us by the will of God, 6 so that we might encourage Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete among you this gracious work.

7 But just as in everything you excel, in faith and word and knowledge and all eagerness and the love from {us in you},[fn] so that you may also excel in this grace.

8 Not by command do I say this, but through the eagerness of others and testing the genuineness of your love; 9 for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus [Christ],[fn] that for your sake he became poor, being rich, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

10 And in this matter I give my advice: for this is advantageous for you, who not only began to do, but also to desire from last year. 11 Now also complete the doing, so that just as there was the eagerness to desire, so also there may be the completion from what you have.

12 For if the eagerness is present, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 13 For it is not that there should be relief for others and affliction for you, but rather from equality; 14 at the present time your abundance for their need, so that their abundance may also be for your need, in order that there may be equality, 15 as it is written, “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.”[fn]

16 But thanks be to God who put the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus, 17 for he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.

18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 not only that, but also having been appointed by the churches as our traveling companion, together {with}[fn] this grace that is being ministered by us for the glory of the Lord and {our}[fn] eagerness, 20 taking precaution in this, so that no one may find fault with us in this generous undertaking being administered by us; 21 [for][fn] we are intent on doing what is right, not only in the sight of {the Lord},[fn] but also in the sight of men.

22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have tested many times in many ways as being diligent, but now [much][fn] more diligent because of the great confidence he has in you. 23 Whether for Titus, my partner and fellow worker for you; or for our brothers, apostles of the churches, the glory of {Christ}.[fn]

24 Therefore, show the proof of your love and our boasting about you to them, in the presence of the churches.

9 Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is superfluous[fn] for me to write to you; 2 for I know your eagerness, which I boast about on your behalf to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.

3 So I sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you might not be made empty in this respect, so that, just as I was saying, you would be prepared, 4 lest perhaps, if Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you) would be put to shame in this confidence [[of boasting]].[fn] 5 Therefore, I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift you have promised beforehand, so that it may be ready as a generous gift and not as an act of greed.

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he {has decided}[fn] in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all sufficiency, you may abound in every good work, 9 as it is written, “He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness endures forever.”[fn]

10 Now the one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us; 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but also overflowing through many thanksgivings to {God}.[fn]

13 Through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for your submission to the confession of the gospel of Christ and for the simplicity of your fellowship with them and with all. 14 And in their prayers for you, they long for you because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 [[But]][fn] Thanks to God for his indescribable gift.

10 But I myself, Paul, urge you by the gentleness and forbearance of Christ, who in presence am humble among you, but being absent am bold toward you; 2 and I ask that when I am not present, I may be bold with the confidence with which I think to be daring against some who consider us as walking according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but powerful for God for the demolition of strongholds, destroying reasonings[fn] 5 and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and taking captive every thought to the obedience of Christ, 6 And being ready to punish every disobedience, whenever your obedience is fulfilled [[beforehand]].[fn]

7 Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone {is}[fn] confident in[fn] himself to be of Christ, let him consider this again in himself, that just as he is of Christ, so also are we [[Christ's]].[fn] 8 For if indeed I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave [[us]][fn] for building up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.

9 So that I may not[fn] appear as if I were trying to frighten you with my letters. 10 Because as he says, “The letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is of no account.” 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word through letters when absent, such we will be in deed when present.

12 For we do not dare to classify {or compare ourselves}[fn] with some of those who commend themselves, [[putting themselves to death,]][fn] [but they, measuring themselves][fn] by themselves and comparing themselves with themselves, do not understand. 13 But we will not boast beyond limits, but according to the measure of the rule[fn] which God has apportioned to us, a measure to reach even to you.

14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ. 15 We do not boast beyond measure in the labors of others, but we have hope that as your faith increases, our influence among you may be greatly enlarged, according to our rule, 16 so as to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, not to boast in another's rule of things already accomplished.

17 But let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord;[fn] 18 for it is not the one who commends oneself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

11 I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed, bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, [[thus]][fn] your thoughts may be corrupted from the simplicity [and the purity][fn] that is in Christ.

4 For if the one coming proclaims another Jesus whom we did not proclaim, or you receive a different spirit which you did not receive, or a different gospel which you did not accept, you put up with it well.

5 For I consider myself not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet not in knowledge [; but in every way we have made this evident to you in all things].[fn]

7 Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge? 8 I robbed other churches by taking support from them for your service, 9 [and][fn] when I was with you and in need, I did not burden anyone; for my need was supplied by the brothers who came from Macedonia, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and I will continue to do so.

10 As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? [Because][fn] I do not love you? God knows.

12 What I do, and will do, is to cut off the opportunity [of those who desire an opportunity],[fn] so that in what they boast, they may be found just as we are. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

16 Again I say, let no one think me to be foolish; but if you do, accept me as foolish, so that I too may boast a little. 17 What I speak, I do not speak according to the Lord, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.

19 For you, being so wise, gladly bear with the foolish. 20 For you bear with it if someone enslaves you, if someone devours you, if someone takes from you, if someone exalts themselves, if someone strikes [[you]][fn] in the face.

21 I speak in foolishness, as though we have become weak. But in whatever anyone else dares to boast (I am speaking foolishly) I also dare. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Servants of Christ are they? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so: in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes exceedingly,[fn] in deaths many times.

24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one, 25 three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep; 26 on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; 27 {with}[fn] toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble,[fn] and I do not kindle?[fn]

30 If it is necessary to boast, I will boast in [my][fn] weaknesses.

31 The God and Father of {the}[fn] Lord Jesus [[Christ]],[fn] who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.

32 In Damascus, the ethnarch of King Aretas was guarding the city of the Damascenes [[waiting]][fn] to seize me, 33 and through a window in a basket I was let down through the wall and escaped his hands.

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],[fn] 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][fn] 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,][fn] so that I would not become conceited, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to torment me [, so that I would not become conceited].[fn] 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 [[the]][fn] power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast in [my][fn] 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][fn] 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 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 [[even]][fn] 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 [[For a long time,]][fn] Do you think that we have been defending ourselves to you. We speak before God [in Christ];[fn] 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.

13 [[Behold]][fn] This is the third time I am coming to you; by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.[fn]

2 I have said beforehand and I say again, as being present the second time and being absent now, [[I write them]][fn] to those who have sinned before and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare anyone, 3 since you seek a proof of the Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you but is powerful in you. 4 For indeed [[if]][fn] he was crucified out of weakness, but he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak {in}[fn] him, but we will live with him by the power of God [toward you].[fn]

5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith [; examine yourselves!][fn] Or do you not recognize yourselves, that {Jesus Christ}[fn] is in you? Unless perhaps you are disqualified? 6 But I hope that you will realize that we are not disqualified.

7 Now {we}[fn] pray to God that you do no evil, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear disqualified. 8 For we have no power against the truth, but only for the truth.

9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong; and this we also pray for, your equipping. 10 For this reason, I write these things while absent, so that when present, I may not use severity according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice, be perfected, be encouraged, [be of the same mind,][fn] be in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

13 [[All the saints greet you.]][fn]

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus [Christ],[fn] and the love of God, and the fellowship of the [Holy][fn] Spirit be with you all. [[Amen]][fn][fn]