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. ¹⁰ Therefore ^(G)I delight in weaknesses, in ^[c]insults, in ^(H)distresses, in ^(I)persecutions, in ^(J)difficulties, ^(K)in behalf of Christ; for ^(L)when I am weak, then I am strong.

⁴ For indeed He was ^(A)crucified because of weakness, yet He lives ^(B)because of the power of God. For we too are ^(C)weak ^[a]in Him, yet ^(D)we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

²⁷ but ^(A)God has chosen the foolish things of ^(B)the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of ^(C)the world to shame the things which are strong,

¹³ and ^(A)make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is impaired may not be dislocated, but rather ^(B)be healed.

¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go, eat the festival foods, drink the sweet drinks, and ^(A)send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your ^[a]refuge.”