⁹ For we are glad ^(A)when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, ^(B)that you may be made complete.

Greetings and Benediction

¹¹ Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. ^(A)Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love ^(B)and peace will be with you.

¹⁰ We are ^(A)fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! ^(B)We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

¹⁰ night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face ^(A)and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

¹⁰ But ^[a]may the God of all grace, ^(A)who called ^[b]us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, ^[c]perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

⁵ Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not ^(A)boast, except in my infirmities. ⁶ For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

The Thorn in the Flesh

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a ^(B)thorn in the flesh was given to me, ^(C)a messenger of Satan to ^[a]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ^8 (D)Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly ^(E)I will rather boast in my infirmities, ^(F)that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore ^(G)I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. ^(H)For when I am weak, then I am strong.

²¹ make you ^[a]complete in every good work to do His will, ^(A)working in ^[b]you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

²³ to the ^[a]general assembly and church of ^(A)the firstborn ^(B)who are registered in heaven, to God ^(C)the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men ^(D)made perfect,

The Peril of Not Progressing

6 Therefore, ^(A)leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to ^[a]perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from ^(B)dead works and of faith toward God,