The text

2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:1WEB

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast, but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 12:2WEB

I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago—whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows.

2 Corinthians 12:3WEB

I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don’t know; God knows),

2 Corinthians 12:4WEB

how he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

2 Corinthians 12:5WEB

On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.

2 Corinthians 12:6WEB

For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me.

2 Corinthians 12:7WEB

By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.

2 Corinthians 12:8WEB

Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

2 Corinthians 12:9WEB

He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Open with Stress

2 Corinthians 12:10WEB

Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12:11WEB

I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.

2 Corinthians 12:12WEB

Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works.

2 Corinthians 12:13WEB

For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

2 Corinthians 12:14WEB

Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

2 Corinthians 12:15WEB

I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

2 Corinthians 12:16WEB

Even so, I myself didn’t burden you. But you might say that being crafty, I caught you with deception.

2 Corinthians 12:17WEB

Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you?

2 Corinthians 12:18WEB

I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same steps?

2 Corinthians 12:19WEB

Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

2 Corinthians 12:20WEB

For I am afraid that perhaps when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire, that perhaps there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, or riots,

2 Corinthians 12:21WEB

that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lustfulness which they committed.

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain.