A Thorn in the Flesh

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! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord (D)three times that it might leave me. 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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Lit beat
  2. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Lit in
  3. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Or mistreatment

even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Read full chapter

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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 13:4 One early ms with Him

Although he was crucified in weakness, he now lives by the power of God. We, too, are weak, just as Christ was, but when we deal with you we will be alive with him and will have God’s power.

Read full chapter

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,

Read full chapter

27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.

Read full chapter

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.

Read full chapter

13 Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

Read full chapter

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.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Nehemiah 8:10 Or stronghold

10 And Nehemiah[a] continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 8:10 Hebrew he.