Dual Panel1TRUE, THERE is nothing to be gained by it, but [as I am obliged] to boast, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--was caught up to the third heaven.
3And I know that this man--whether in the body or away from the body I do not know, God knows--
4Was caught up into paradise, and he heard utterances beyond the power of man to put into words, which man is not permitted to utter.
5Of this same [man's experiences] I will boast, but of myself (personally) I will not boast, except as regards my infirmities (my weaknesses).
6Should I desire to boast, I shall not be a witless braggart, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it] so that no one may form a higher estimate of me than [is justified by] what he sees in me or hears from me.
7And to keep me from being puffed up {and} too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn (a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack {and} buffet {and} harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. [Job. 2:6.]
8Three times I called upon the Lord {and} besought [Him] about this {and} begged that it might depart from me;
9But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for {My} strength {and} power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) {and show themselves most effective} in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses {and} infirmities, that the strength {and} power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
10So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased {and} take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities {and} distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).
11Now I have been [speaking like] a fool! But you forced me to it, for I ought to have been [saved the necessity and] commended by you. For I have not fallen short one bit {or} proved myself at all inferior to those superlative [false] apostles [of yours], even if I am nothing (a nobody).
12Indeed, the signs that indicate a [genuine] apostle were performed among you fully {and} most patiently in miracles and wonders and mighty works.
13For in what respect were you put to a disadvantage in comparison with the rest of the churches, unless [it was for the fact] that I myself did not burden you [with my financial support]? Pardon me [for doing you] this injustice!
14Now for the third time I am ready to come to [visit] you. And I will not burden you [financially], for it is not your [money] that I want but you; for children are not duty bound to lay up store for their parents, but parents for their children.
15But I will most gladly spend [myself] and be utterly spent for your souls. If I love you exceedingly, am I to be loved [by you] the less?
16But though granting that I did not burden you [with my support, some say that] I was crafty [and that] I cheated {and} got the better of you with my trickery.
17Did I [then] take advantage of you {or} make any money out of you through any of those [messengers] whom I sent to you?
18[Actually] I urged Titus [to go], and I sent the brother with [him]. Did Titus overreach {or} take advantage of you [in anything]? Did he {and} I not act in the same spirit? Did we not [take the] same steps?
19Have you been supposing [all this time] that we have been defending ourselves {and} apologizing to you? [It is] in the sight {and} the [very] presence of God [and as one] in Christ (the Messiah) that we have been speaking, dearly beloved, and all in order to build you up [spiritually].
20For I am fearful that somehow or other I may come and find you not as I desire to find you, and that you may find me too not as you want to find me--that perhaps there may be factions (quarreling), jealousy, temper (wrath, intrigues, rivalry, divided loyalties), selfishness, whispering, gossip, arrogance (self-assertion), and disorder among you.
21[I am fearful] that when I come again, my God may humiliate {and} humble me in your regard, and that I may have to sorrow over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, sexual vice, and sensuality which they formerly practiced.