122 Corinthians 12

Visions from the Lord

1I have to brag. There is nothing to be gained by it, but I must brag about the visions and other things that the Lord has shown me.Select 2 Corinthians 12:1

2I know about one of Christ's followers who was taken up into the third heaven 14 years ago. I don't know if the man was still in his body when it happened, but God certainly knows.Select 2 Corinthians 12:2

3As I said, only God really knows if this man was in his body at the time.Select 2 Corinthians 12:3

4But he was taken up into paradise, where he heard things too wonderful to tell.Select 2 Corinthians 12:4

5I will brag about that man, but not about myself, except to say how weak I am.Select 2 Corinthians 12:5

6Yet even if I did brag, I would not be foolish. I would simply be speaking the truth. But I will try not to say too much. That way, none of you will think more highly of me than you should because of what you have seen me do and say.Select 2 Corinthians 12:6

7Of course, I am now referring to the wonderful things I saw. One of Satan's angels was sent to make me suffer terribly, so that I would not feel too proud.Select 2 Corinthians 12:7

8Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away.Select 2 Corinthians 12:8

9But he replied, “My gift of undeserved grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.Select 2 Corinthians 12:9

10Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.Select 2 Corinthians 12:10

Paul's Concern for the Lord's Followers at Corinth

11I have been making a fool of myself. But you forced me to do it, when you should have been speaking up for me. I may be nothing at all, but I am as good as those super apostles.Select 2 Corinthians 12:11

12When I was with you, I was patient and worked all the powerful miracles and signs and wonders of a true apostle.Select 2 Corinthians 12:12

13You missed out on only one blessing the other churches received. That is, you didn't have to support me. Forgive me for doing you wrong.Select 2 Corinthians 12:13

14I am planning to visit you for the third time. But I still won't make a burden of myself. What I really want is you, and not what you have. Children are not supposed to save up for their parents, but parents are supposed to take care of their children.Select 2 Corinthians 12:14

15So I will gladly give all I have and all I am. Will you love me less for loving you too much?Select 2 Corinthians 12:15

16You agree that I wasn't a burden to you. Maybe that's because I was trying to catch you off guard and trick you.Select 2 Corinthians 12:16

17Were you cheated by any of those I sent to you?Select 2 Corinthians 12:17

18I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent another follower with him. But Titus didn't cheat you, and we felt and behaved the same way he did.Select 2 Corinthians 12:18

19Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? Actually, we have been speaking to God as followers of Christ. But, my friends, we did it all for your good.Select 2 Corinthians 12:19

20I am afraid when I come, we won't be pleased with each other. I fear that some of you may be arguing or jealous or angry or selfish or gossiping or insulting each other. I even fear that you may be proud and acting like a mob.Select 2 Corinthians 12:20

21I am afraid God will make me ashamed when I visit you again. I will feel like crying because many of you have never given up your old sins. You are still doing things that are immoral, indecent, and shameful.Select 2 Corinthians 12:21