²⁶ Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For ^(A)we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but ^(B)the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ²⁷ And ^(C)he who searches hearts knows what is ^(D)the mind of the Spirit, because^[a] the Spirit ^(E)intercedes for the saints ^(F)according to the will of God.

^8 (A)Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, ^(B)“My grace is sufficient for you, for ^(C)my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that ^(D)the power of Christ may rest upon me. ^10 (E)For the sake of Christ, then, ^(F)I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For ^(G)when I am weak, then I am strong.

Concern for the Corinthian Church

^11 (H)I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was ^(I)not at all inferior to these super-apostles, ^(J)even though I am nothing. ^12 (K)The signs of a true apostle were performed among you ^(L)with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. ¹³ For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that ^(M)I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!

¹⁴ Here ^(N)for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for ^(O)I seek not what is yours but you. For ^(P)children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but ^(Q)parents for their children. ^15 (R)I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If ^(S)I love you more, am I to be loved less? ¹⁶ But granting that ^(T)I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. ¹⁷ Did I take advantage of you ^(U)through any of those whom I sent to you? ^18 (V)I urged Titus to go, and sent ^(W)the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?

¹⁹ Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is ^(X)in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and ^(Y)all for your upbuilding, beloved.