2 Corinthians 12

1It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast, but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.Cross-references: Num 12:6 · Ezek 1:1 · Ezek 11:24 · Dan 10:5 · Joel 2:28 · John 16:7 · +16 more

2I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago—whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows.Cross-references: Gen 1:14 · 1Ki 8:27 · 1Ki 18:12 · 2Ki 2:16 · Ps 148:4 · Isa 45:24 · +28 more

3I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don’t know; God knows),

4how he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.Cross-references: Ezek 31:9 · Luke 23:43 · Rev 2:7

5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.Cross-references: 1Cor 2:3 · 2Cor 11:30 · 2Cor 12:9

6For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me.Cross-references: Job 24:25 · Rom 9:1 · 1Cor 3:5 · 1Cor 3:9 · 2Cor 1:18 · 2Cor 5:13 · +5 more

7By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.Cross-references: Gen 32:25 · Gen 32:31 · Num 33:55 · Deut 8:14 · Deut 17:20 · Judg 2:3 · +14 more

8Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.Cross-references: Deut 3:23 · 1Sam 15:11 · 2Sam 12:16 · Ps 77:2 · Matt 20:21 · Matt 26:39 · +1 more

9He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.Cross-references: Ex 3:11 · Ex 4:10 · Deut 33:25 · Josh 1:9 · 2Ki 2:15 · Ps 8:2 · +30 more

10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.Cross-references: Luke 6:22 · John 15:21 · Acts 5:41 · Rom 5:3 · Rom 8:35 · 1Cor 4:10 · +21 more

11I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.Cross-references: Luke 17:10 · 1Cor 3:4 · 1Cor 3:22 · 1Cor 15:8 · 2Cor 1:6 · 2Cor 11:1 · +6 more

12Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works.Cross-references: John 4:48 · Rom 15:18 · 1Cor 1:5 · 1Cor 9:1 · 1Cor 14:18 · 2Cor 4:2 · +3 more

13For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!Cross-references: 1Cor 9:6 · 1Cor 9:12 · 1Cor 9:15 · 2Cor 11:7 · 2Cor 12:14

14Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.Cross-references: Gen 24:35 · Gen 31:14 · Prov 11:30 · Prov 13:22 · Prov 19:14 · Ezek 34:2 · +16 more

15I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?Cross-references: 2Sam 13:39 · 2Sam 17:1 · 2Sam 18:33 · John 10:10 · 1Cor 4:8 · 2Cor 1:6 · +12 more

16Even so, I myself didn’t burden you. But you might say that being crafty, I caught you with deception.Cross-references: 2Cor 1:12 · 2Cor 4:2 · 2Cor 7:2 · 2Cor 10:2 · 2Cor 11:9 · 2Cor 12:13 · +3 more

17Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you?Cross-references: 2Ki 5:16 · 2Ki 5:20 · 1Cor 4:17 · 1Cor 16:10 · 2Cor 9:5 · 2Cor 12:18

18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same steps?Cross-references: Num 16:15 · 1Sam 12:3 · Neh 5:14 · Acts 20:33 · Rom 4:12 · 2Cor 2:12 · +6 more

19Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.Cross-references: Rom 9:1 · Rom 12:19 · 1Cor 9:12 · 1Cor 10:14 · 1Cor 10:33 · 1Cor 14:26 · +9 more

20For I am afraid that perhaps when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire, that perhaps there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, or riots,Cross-references: Ps 41:7 · Prov 16:28 · Rom 1:29 · 1Cor 1:11 · 1Cor 3:3 · 1Cor 4:6 · +22 more

21that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lustfulness which they committed.Cross-references: Ex 32:31 · Deut 9:15 · Deut 9:25 · 1Sam 15:35 · Ezra 9:3 · Ezra 10:1 · +31 more