2 Corinthians 12:7-13

English Standard Version

⁷So ^(A)to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,^[a] ^(B)a thorn was given me in the flesh, ^(C)a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. ⁸^(D)Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹But he said to me, ^(E)“My grace is sufficient for you, for ^(F)my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that ^(G)the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰^(H)For the sake of Christ, then, ^(I)I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For ^(J)when I am weak, then I am strong.

Concern for the Corinthian Church

¹¹^(K)I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was ^(L)not at all inferior to these super-apostles, ^(M)even though I am nothing. ¹²^(N)The signs of a true apostle were performed among you ^(O)with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. ¹³For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that ^(P)I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!