IT is not expedient doubtless for me to boast. I will yet come to
visions and revelations of the Lord. (2)I knew a man in Christ above
fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I know not, or whether out of
the body I know not: God knoweth;) such a one was caught up unto the
third heavens. (3)And I knew such a man, (whether in the body or out of
the body I know not: God knoweth,) (4)that he was caught up into
paradise, and heard ineffable words, which it is not permitted to man
to speak. (5)Of such a one will I boast; but in myself will I not
boast, save in my infirmities. (6)For though I should be disposed to
boast, I shall not be a fool; for I shall speak truth: but I desist,
lest any man think of me above what he seeth me to be, or what he
heareth of me. (7)And that I might not be lifted up above measure by
the transcendent greatness of the revelations, there was given me a
thorn in the flesh, the angel Satan, to buffet me, that I might not be
lifted up above measure. (8)For this thrice I besought the Lord, that
he might depart from me. (9)And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient
for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly
therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of
Christ may fix its residence in me. (10)Therefore I take pleasure in
infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in
distresses, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.
(11)Have I become a fool in boasting? ye have compelled me; for I ought
to have been commended of you: for in nothing have I been inferior to
the very chief apostles, though I be nothing. (12)The signs indeed of
an apostle have been wrought among you in all patience, in miracles,
and wonders, and mighty deeds. (13)For what is there wherein ye have
been inferior to the other churches, except that I have not been
burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong. (14)Lo! I hold myself ready
the third time to come unto you, and I will not burden you; for I seek
not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up treasure for
their parents, but the parents for the children. (15)And I will most
cheerfully spend and be spent for your souls, though the more
abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
(16)But admit it, I was not burdensome to you: but being crafty, I
caught you with guile. (17)Did I make a gain of you by any one
individual whom I sent unto you? (18)I entreated Titus _to go to you_,
and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make any advantage of you?
walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
(19)Think ye that we are again making an apology to you? In the sight
of God speak we in Christ: but all things, beloved, for your
edification. (20)For I am afraid that when I come I shall not find you
such as I wish, and that I shall be found of you such as ye would not:
lest haply there be contentions, jealousies, animosities, quarrels,
backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: (21)and lest when I come
to you again, my God should bow me down, and I should lament over many
who have sinned before, and have not repented of the impurities, and
whoredom, and lasciviousness which they have committed.