Chapter 12

If I must boast---it is not indeed expedient to do so---but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago---whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows---such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

And I know such a man---whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows---

that he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words that man may not repeat.

Of such a man I will boast; but of myself I will glory in nothing save in my infirmities.

For if I do wish to boast, I shall not be foolish; for I shall be speaking the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should reckon me beyond what he sees in me or hears from me. His Infirmities

And lest the greatness of the revelations should puff me up, there was given me a thorn for the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me.

Concerning this I thrice besought the Lord that it might leave me.

And he has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for strength is made perfect in weakness." Gladly therefore I will glory in my infirmities, that the strength of Christ may dwell in me.

Wherefore I am satisfied, for Christ's sake, with infirmities, with insults, with hardships, with persecutions, with distresses. For when I am weak, then I am strong. He Has Been Forced to Boast

I have become foolish! You have forced me. For I ought to have been commended by you, since in no way have I fallen short of the most eminent apostles, even though I am nothing.

Indeed, the signs of the apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in miracles and wonders and deeds of power.

For in what have you been less favored than the other churches---unless in this, that I was no burden to you? Pardon me this wrong! His Third Visit

Behold, this is the third time that I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children should not save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

But I will most gladly spend and be spent myself for your souls, even though, loving you more, I be loved less.

But be it so: I was no burden to you, but, being crafty, I caught you by guile.

Did I take advantage of you through any of these whom I sent to you?

I urged Titus to go, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Have we not walked in the same spirit, have we not walked in the same steps?

Are you thinking all this time that we are defending ourselves before you? We speak before God in Christ; but in all things, beloved, for your own edification.

For I fear lest perhaps when I come I may not find you as I should wish, and lest I may be found by you not as you would wish---lest perhaps there be found among you contentions, envyings, animosities, dissensions, detractions, gossiping, arrogance, disorders---

lest when I come again God should humiliate me before you, and I should mourn over many who sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness and immorality and licentiousness that they practiced.