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.

¹¹ I have become ^(M)foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, since I was ^(N)in no respect inferior to the ^[d]most eminent apostles, even though ^(O)I am a nobody. ¹² The ^(P)distinguishing marks ^[e]of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by ^[f]signs, wonders, and ^[g]miracles.