A Thorn in the Flesh

⁷ Because of the extraordinary greatness of the ^(A)revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a ^(B)thorn in the flesh, a ^(C)messenger of Satan to ^[a]torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! ⁸ Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord ^(D)three times that it might leave me. ⁹ And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for ^(E)power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather ^(F)boast ^[b]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

¹³ but you know that it was because of a ^[a]bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the ^[b]first time;

¹⁴ and you did not despise that which was a trial to you in my ^[a]bodily condition, nor express contempt, but ^(A)you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.