2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Sufficient Grace
12 Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions(A) and revelations(B) of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up(C) into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know, God knows. 3 I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know, God knows— 4 was caught up into paradise.(D) He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak. 5 I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses. 6 For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth.(E) But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, 7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh(F) was given to me, a messenger[a] of Satan(G) to torment me so I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power[b](H) is perfected in weakness.”(I) Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ.(J) For when I am weak, then I am strong.(K)
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- 2 Corinthians 12:7 Or me, an angel
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 Other mss read My power
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