2 Corinthians 12:6-12
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me,(A) 7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep[a] me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.[b] 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,(B) 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power[c] is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.(C) 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.(D)
Paul’s Concern for the Corinthian Church
11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it. Indeed you should have been the ones commending me, for I am not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.(E) 12 The signs of an apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders and mighty works.(F)
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2 Corinthians 12:6-12
New International Version
6 Even if I should choose to boast,(A) I would not be a fool,(B) because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations.(C) Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,(D) a messenger of Satan,(E) to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.(F) 9 But he said to me, “My grace(G) is sufficient for you, for my power(H) is made perfect in weakness.(I)”(J) Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight(K) in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,(L) in persecutions,(M) in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.(N)
Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians
11 I have made a fool of myself,(O) but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,”[a](P) even though I am nothing.(Q) 12 I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.(R)
Footnotes
- 2 Corinthians 12:11 Or the most eminent apostles
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