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[1]BOASTING is proper, but there is no advantage in it, and I prefer to relate the visions and revelations of our LORD.
[2]I knew a man in Christ more than fourteen years ago, but whether I knew him in the body or without the body, I do not know: God knows; this very one was caught up to the third heaven.
[3]And I still know this man, but whether in the body or whether without the body, I cannot tell; God knows;
[4]How that he was caught up to paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5]Of such a person, I will boast; but of myself, I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.
[6]But even if I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will tell the truth: but now I refrain, lest any one should think more of me than what he sees me to be and what he hears from me.
[7]And lest I should be exalted through the abundance of the revelations, there was delivered to me a thorn in my flesh, the angel of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted.
[8]Three times I besought my LORD concerning this thing, 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. Most gladly therefore I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[10]Therefore I am content with infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments for Christ's sake: for when I am physically weak, then I am mentally strong.
[11]Behold, I am foolish to boast but you have forced me: for you ought to have testified concerning me: for in no way am I less than those apostles who are highly honored, though I am nothing.
[12]The miracles which the apostles have wrought I have wrought among you also in all patience, in signs, in wonders, and mighty deeds.
[13]For what do you lack that other churches have, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this "fault"!
[14]Behold, this is the third time I am prepared to come to you; and I will not burden you; for I seek nothing from you, but yourselves: for children are not under obligation to lay up treasure for the parents, but the parents for the children.
[15]I will gladly pay my expenses, and I will even give myself for the sake of your souls; though the more I love you, the less you love me.
[16]But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless as a shrewd man, I caught you with guile:
[17]Why? Did I extort anything from you by any of the men whom I sent to you?
[18]I requested Titus to visit you, and I sent brethren with him. Did Titus extort anything from you? Did we not walk in the same spirit, and did we not walk in the same steps?
[19]Why? Do you still think we are apologizing? No! We speak before God in Christ: and we do all these things, my beloved, for your edification.
[20]For I fear, lest when I come to you, I shall not find you such as I wish to find you, and that you also will not find me as you wish to find me: lest there be controversies, envyings, angers, stubbornness, accusations, slanderings, boastings and disorders.
[21]Perhaps when I come to you, my God will humble me, and I will mourn over many who have sinned, and who have not repented of the impurity, immorality, and lasciviousness which they have committed.
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