2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Christian Standard Bible

Sufficient Grace

12 Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions^(A) and revelations^(B) of the Lord. ² I know a man in Christ who was caught up^(C) to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. ³ I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know; God knows— ⁴ was caught up into paradise^(D) and heard inexpressible words, which a human being is not allowed to speak. ⁵ I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses.

⁶ For if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth.^(E) But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, ⁷ especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh^(F) was given to me, a messenger of Satan^(G) to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. ⁸ Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power^(H) is perfected in weakness.”^(I)

Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. ¹⁰ So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ.^(J) For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(K)