2 Corinthians 12:5-12

English Standard Version

⁵ On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, ^(A)except of my weaknesses— ⁶ though if I should wish to boast, ^(B)I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. ⁷ So ^(C)to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,^{[a] (D)}a thorn was given me in the flesh, ^(E)a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. ^8 (F)Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, ^(G)“My grace is sufficient for you, for ^(H)my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that ^(I)the power of Christ may rest upon me. ^10 (J)For the sake of Christ, then, ^(K)I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For ^(L)when I am weak, then I am strong.

Concern for the Corinthian Church

^11 (M)I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was ^(N)not at all inferior to these super-apostles, ^(O)even though I am nothing. ^12 (P)The signs of a true apostle were performed among you ^(Q)with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.