Amplified Bible (AMP)

Ministers of a New Covenant

1 Are we starting to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some [false teachers], letters of recommendation to you or from you? [No!]

2 You are our letter [of recommendation], written in our hearts, recognized and read by everyone.

3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

4 Such is the confidenceandsteadfast relianceandabsolute trust that we have through Christ toward God.

5 Not that we are sufficiently qualified in ourselves to claim anything ascomingfrom us, but our sufficiencyandqualifications come from God.

6 He has qualified us [making us sufficient] as ministers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not of the letter [of a written code] but of the Spirit; for the letter [of the Law] kills [by revealing sin and demanding obedience], but the Spirit gives life.

7 Now if the ministry of death, engraved in letters on stones [the covenant of the Law which led to death because of sin], came with such gloryandsplendor that the Israelites were not able to look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, [a brilliance] that was fading,

8 how will the ministry of the Spirit [the new covenant which allows us to be Spirit-filled] fail to be even more gloriousandsplendid?

9 For if the ministry that brings condemnation [the old covenant, the Law] has glory, how much more does glory overflow in the ministry that brings righteousness [the new covenant which declares believers free of guilt and sets them apart for God’s special purpose]!

10 Indeed, what had glory [the Law], in this case no longer has glory because of the glory that surpasses it [the gospel].

11 For if that [Law] which fades awaycamewith glory,howmuch moremustthat [gospel] which remainsandis permanent abide in gloryandsplendor!

12 Since we have such a [glorious] hopeandconfident expectation, we speak with great courage,

13 and we are not like Moses,whoused to put a veil over his face so that the Israelites would not gaze at the end of the glory which was fading away.

14 But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ.

15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil [of blindness] lies over their heart;

16 but whenever a person turns [in repentance and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,thereis liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].

18 And we all, with unveiled face,continuallyseeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, areprogressivelybeing transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

Paul’s Apostolic Ministry

1 Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as we received mercy [from God, granting us salvation, opportunities, and blessings], we do not get discouragednorlose our motivation.

2 But we have renounced the disgraceful things hidden because of shame; not walking in trickery or adulterating the word of God, but by stating the truth [openly and plainly], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

3 But even if our gospel is [in some sense] hidden [behind a veil], it is hidden [only] to those who are perishing;

4 among them the god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving to prevent them from seeing the illuminating light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves [merely] as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.

6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the gloryandmajesty of God [clearly revealed] in the face of Christ.

7 But we have thisprecioustreasure [the good news about salvation] in [unworthy] earthen vessels [of human frailty], so that the grandeurandsurpassing greatness of the power will be [shown to be] from God [His sufficiency] and not from ourselves.

8 We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair;

9 hunted downandpersecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed;

10 always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body.

11 For we who live are constantly [experiencing the threat of] being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be evidenced in our mortal body [which is subject to death].

12 Sophysicaldeath is [actively] at work in us, but [spiritual] life [is actively at work] in you.

13 Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had, who wrotein Scripture,“Ibelieved,thereforeIspoke.” We also believe, therefore we also speak,

14 knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and will present us [along] with you in His presence.

15 For all [these] things are for your sake, so that as [God’s remarkable, undeserved] grace reaches to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of [our great] God.

16 Therefore we do not become discouraged [spiritless, disappointed, or afraid]. Though our outer self is [progressively] wasting away, yet our innerselfis being [progressively] renewed day by day.

17 For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!

18 So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlastingandimperishable.

The Temporal and Eternal

1 For we know that if the earthly tent [our physical body] which is our house is torn down [through death], we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 For indeed in thishousewe groan, longing to be clothed with our [immortal, eternal] celestial dwelling,

3 so that by putting it on we will not be found naked.

4 For while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened [often weighed down, oppressed], not that we want to be unclothed [separated by death from the body], but to be clothed, so that what is mortal [the body] will be swallowed up by life [after the resurrection].

5 Now He who has made usandprepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the [Holy] Spirit as a pledge [a guarantee, a down payment on the fulfillment of His promise].

6 So then, being always filled with good courageandconfident hope, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord–

7 for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]–

8 we are [as I was saying] of good courageandconfident hope, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.

9 Therefore, whether we are at home [on earth] or away from home [and with Him], it is our [constant] ambition to be pleasing to Him.

10 For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before thejudgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good orbad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives–the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities].

11 Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment].

12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but are giving you an occasion to be [rightfully] proud of us, so that you will havean answerfor those who take pride in [outward] appearances [the virtues they pretend to have] rather than what is [actually] in heart.

13 If we are out of our mind [just unstable fanatics as some critics say], it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for your benefit.

14 For the love of Christ controlsandcompels us, because we have concluded this, that One died for all, therefore all died;

15 and He died for all, so that all those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and was raised for their sake.

16 So from now on we regard no one from a human point of view [according to worldly standards and values]. Though we have known Christ from a human point of view, now we no longer know Himin this way.

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior],he isa new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].

18 But allthesethings are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him],

19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God].

20 So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.

21 He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].

Their Ministry Commended

1 Working togetherwith Him,we strongly urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain [by turning away from sound doctrine and His merciful kindness].

2 For He says,

“At the acceptable time(the time of grace) Ilistened to you,

AndIhelped you on the day of salvation.”

Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”–

3 we put no obstruction in anyone’s path, so that the ministry will not be discredited,

4 but we commend ourselves in every way as servants of God: in great endurance, in sufferings, in hardships, in distresses,

5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in sleepless nights, in hunger,

6 in purityandsincerity, in knowledgeandspiritual insight, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love,

7 in [speaking] the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand [like holding the sword to attack] and for the left [like holding the shield to defend],

8 amid glory and dishonor; by evil report and good report;brandedas deceivers and yet [vindicated as] truthful;

9 as unknown [to the world], yet well-known [by God and His people]; as dying, yet we live; as punished, yet not killed;

10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet bestowing riches on many; as having nothing, yet possessing all things.

11 We are speaking freely to you, Corinthians [we are keeping nothing back], and our heart is opened wide.

12 There is no limit to our affection for you, but you are limited in your own affection [for us].

13 Now in the same way as a fair exchange [for our love toward you]–I am speaking as [I would] to children–open wide [your hearts]to usalso.

14 Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

15 What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial (Satan)? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said:

“Iwilldwell among them andwalk among them;

AndIwill be theirGod,and they shall beMy people.

17 “Socome out from among unbelievers and be separate,” says the Lord,

“And do not touch what is unclean;

And I will graciously receive youandwelcome you [with favor],

18 And I will be a Father to you,

And you will be My sons and daughters,”

Says the Lord Almighty.

Paul Reveals His Heart

1 Therefore, since we have these [great and wonderful] promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, completing holiness [living a consecrated life–a life set apart for God’s purpose] in the fear of God.

2 Make room for usin your hearts;we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.

3 I do not saythisto condemnyou,for I have said before that you are [nested] in our hearts [and you will remain there] to die together and to live together [with us].

4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my prideandboasting on your behalf. I am filled [to the brim] with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in spite of all our trouble.

5 For even when we arrived in Macedonia our bodies had no rest, but we were oppressed at every turn–conflictsanddisputes without, fearsanddread within.

6 But God, who comfortsandencourages the depressedandthe disquieted, comforted us by the arrival of Titus.

7 And not only by his arrival, but also by [his account of] the encouragement which he received in regard to you. He told us about your longing [for us], your mourning [over sin],andhow eagerly you took my part and supported me, so that I rejoiced even more.

8 For even though I did grieve you with myletter, I do not regret it [now]; though I did regret it –for I see that the letter hurt you, though only for a little while–

9 yet I am glad now, not because you were hurtandmade sorry, but because your sorrow led to repentance [and you turned back to God]; for you felt a grief such as God meant you to feel, so that you might not suffer loss in anything on our account.

10 For [godly] sorrow that is in accord withthe will ofGod produces a repentance without regret,leadingto salvation; but worldly sorrow [the hopeless sorrow of those who do not believe] produces death.

11 For [you can look back and] see what an earnestnessandauthentic concern this godly sorrow has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves [against charges that you tolerate sin], what indignation [at sin], what fear [of offending God], what longing [for righteousness and justice], what passion [to do what is right], what readiness to punish [those who sin and those who tolerate sin]! At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in the matter.

12 So even though I wrote to you [as I did], it was not for the sake of the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but in order to make evident to you before God how earnestly you do care for us [and your willingness to accept our authority].

13 It is for this reason that we are comfortedandencouraged.

And in addition to our comfort, we were especially delighted at the joy of Titus, because you have refreshed his spirit.

14 For if I have boasted to him at all concerning you, I was not disappointed. But just as everything we ever said to you was true, so our boasting [about you] to Titus has proved true also.

15 His affection is greater than ever as he remembers the obedience [to his guidance] that all of you exhibited, and how you received him with the greatest respect.

16 I rejoice that in everything I have [perfect] confidence in you.

Great Generosity

1 Now, brothers and sisters, we want to tell you about the grace of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [awakening in them a longing to contribute];

2 for during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity.

3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability,they gavevoluntarily,

4 begging us insistently for the privilege of participating in the service for [the support of] the saints [in Jerusalem].

5 Not only [did they give materially] as we had hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His representatives] by the will of God [disregarding their personal interests and giving as much as they possibly could].

6 So we urged Titus that, as he began it, he should also complete this gracious work among you as well.

7 But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also.

8 I am not sayingthisas a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well.

9 For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed).

10 I give youmyopinion in this matter: this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to take action [to help the believers in Jerusalem], but also [the first] to desireto do it.

11 So now finish this, so that your eagerness in desiring it may be equaled by your completion of it, according to your ability.

12 For if the eagerness [to give] is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

13 For it is not [intended] that others be relieved [of their responsibility] and that you beburdened [unfairly], butthat there be equality [in sharing the burden]–

14 at this present time your surplus [over necessities]is goingtosupplytheir need, so that [at some other time] their surplus may begiventosupplyyour need, that there may be equality;

15 as it is written [in Scripture], “He whogatheredmuch did not have too much,and he whogatheredlittle did not lack.”

16 But thanks be to God who puts the same genuine concern for you in the heart of Titus.

17 For Titus not only accepted our appeal, but was so very interested in you that he has gone tovisityou of his own accord.

18 And we have sent along with him thebrother who is praised in the gospel [ministry] throughout all the churches;

19 and not onlythis,but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in regard to this gracious offering which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself, andto showour eagerness [as believers to help one another].

20 We are taking precaution so that no one will [find anything with which to] discredit us in our administration of this generous gift.

21 For we have regard for what is honorable [and above suspicion], not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found to be diligent in many things, but who is now even more diligent [than ever] because of his great confidence in you.

23 As for Titus,he ismy partner and fellow worker in your service; and as for the [other two] brothers,they are[special]messengers of the churches, a gloryandcredit to Christ.

24 Therefore, show these men, in the sight of the churches, the proof of your love and our reason for being proud of you.

God Gives Most

1 Now it is unnecessary for me to write to you about the offering [that is to be made] for the saints [in Jerusalem];

2 for I know your eagerness [to promote this cause], and I have [proudly] boasted to the people of Macedonia about it, telling them thatAchaia has been prepared since last year [for this contribution], and your enthusiasm has inspired the majority of them [to respond].

3 Still, I am sending the brothers [on to you], so that our pride in you may not be an empty boast in this case, and so that you may be prepared, just as I told them you would be;

4 otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we–to say nothing of yourselves–will be humiliated for being so confident.

5 That is why I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you [before I come] and make arrangements in advance for this generous, previously promised gift of yours, so that it would be ready, not as something extorted [or wrung out of you], but as a [voluntary and] generous gift.

6 Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sowsgenerously [that blessings may come to others] will also reapgenerously [and be blessed].

7 Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].

8 And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good workandact of charity.

9 As it is writtenandforever remains written,

“He[the benevolent and generous person]scattered abroad,he gave to the poor,

His righteousness endures forever!”

10 Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love].

11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].

12 For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

13 Because of this act of ministry,they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation [in this gift] for them and for all [the other believers in need],

14 and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you.

15 Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]!

Paul Describes Himself

1 Now I, Paul, urge you by the gentleness and graciousness of Christ–I who am meek [so they say] when with you face to face, but bold [outspoken and fearless] toward you when absent!

2 I ask that when I do come I will not be driven to the boldness that I intend to show toward those few who regard us as if we walked according to the flesh [like men without the Spirit].

3 For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the fleshandusing the weapons of man.

4 The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

5 We aredestroying sophisticated arguments and every exaltedandproud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, andwe aretaking every thoughtandpurpose captive to the obedience of Christ,

6 being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is complete.

7 You are looking [only] at the outward appearance of things. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, he should reflectandconsider this, that just as he is Christ’s, so too are we.

8 For even though I boast rather freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed [of the truth],

9 nor do I want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters;

10 for they say, “His letters are weighty and forcefulandimpressive, but hispersonal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible [of no account].”

11 Let such people realize that what we say by word in letters when we are absent, is the same as whatwe arein action when present.

12 We do not have the audacity to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with some who [supply testimonials to] commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they lack wisdomandbehave like fools.

13 We, on the other hand, will not boast beyond our proper limit, but [will keep] within thelimits of our commission (territory, authority) which God has granted to us as a measure, which reachesandincludes even you.

14 We are not overstepping the limits of our province, as if we did not [legitimately] reach to you, for we were the [very] first to come even as far as you with the good news of Christ.

15 We do not go beyond our proper limit, boasting in the work of other men, but we have the hope that as your faith [in Christ and His divine power] continues to grow, our field among you may be greatly expanded [but still within the limits of our commission],

16 so thatwe maypreach the gospel even in the lands beyond you, but not to boast in work already accomplished in another one’s field of activity.

17 However, “Let him who boasts boast in theLord.”

18 For it is not he who commendsandpraises himself who is approved [by God], but it is the one whom the Lord commendsandpraises.

Paul Defends His Apostleship

1 I wish you would bear with me [while I indulge] in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me [as you read this].

2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy because I have promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

3 But I am afraid that, even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corruptedandled away from the simplicity of [your sincere and] pure devotion to Christ.

4 For [you seem willing to allow it] if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted. You tolerate all this beautifully [welcoming the deception].

5 Yet I consider myself in no way inferior to the [so-called]super-apostles.

6 But even if I am unskilled in speaking, yet I am not [untrained] inknowledge [I know what I am talking about]; but we have made this evident to you in every way, in all things.

7 Or did I [perhaps] sin by humbling myself so that you might be exaltedandhonored, because I preached God’s gospel to youfree of charge?

8 I robbed other churches by accepting [more than their share of] financial support for my ministry to you.

9 And when I was with you and ran short [financially], I did not burden any of you; for what I needed was fully supplied by the brothers (Silas and Timothy) who came from Macedonia (the church at Philippi). So I kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.

10 As the truth of Christ is in me, my boast [of independence] will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia (southern Greece).

11 Why? Because I do not love you [or wish you well, or have regard for your welfare]? God knows [that I do]!

12 But what I am doing I will keep doing, [for I am determined to keep this independence] in order to cut off the claim of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things they brag about.

13 For such men are counterfeit apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.

14 And no wonder, since Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

15 So it is no great surprise if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, but their end will correspond with their deeds.

16 I repeat then, let no one think that I am foolish; but even if you do, at least accept me as foolish, so that I too may boast a little.

17 What I say in this confident boasting, I say not as the Lord would [with His authority], but foolishly.

18 Since many boast [of worldly things and brag] about human accomplishments, I will boast too.

19 For you, being so wise, gladly tolerateandaccept the foolish [like me]!

20 For you tolerate it if anyone makes you his slave; or devours youandyour possessions; or takes advantage of you; or acts presumptuously; or hits you in the face.

21 To my shame, I must say, we have been too weak [in comparison to those pseudo-apostles who take advantage of you].

But in whatever anyone else dares to boast–I am speaking foolishly–I also dare to boast.

22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

23 Are they [self-proclaimed] servants of Christ?–I am speaking as if I were out of my mind–I am more so [for I exceed them]; with far more labors, with far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, and often in danger of death.

24 Five times I received from the Jewsthirty-ninelashes.

25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spentadrifton the sea;

26 many times on journeys, [exposed to] danger from rivers, danger from bandits, danger from my own countrymen, danger from the Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger on the sea, danger among those posing as believers;

27 in labor and hardship, often unable to sleep, in hunger and thirst, often [driven to] fasting [for lack of food], in cold and exposure [without adequate clothing].

28 Besides those external things, there is the daily [inescapable] pressure of my concern for all the churches.

29 Who is weak, and I do not feel [his] weakness? Who is made to sin, and I am not on fire [with sorrow and concern]?

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that reveal my weakness [the things by which I am made weak in the eyes of my opponents].

31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessedandto be praised forevermore, knows that I am not lying.

32 In Damascus thegovernor (ethnarch) underKing Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to arrest me,

33 and I was [actually] let down in a basket through awindow in the wall, and slipped through his fingers.

Paul’s Vision

1 It is necessary to boast, though nothing is gained by it; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I know aman in Christ who fourteen years ago–whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows–such a man was caught up to thethird heaven.

3 And I know that such a man–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows–

4 was caught up intoParadise and heard inexpressible words which man is not permitted to speak [words too sacred to tell].

5 On behalf of such a man [and his experiences] I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.

6 If I wish to boast, I will not be foolish, because I will be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it], so that no one will credit me with more than [is justified by what] he sees in me or hears from me.

A Thorn in the Flesh

7 Because of the surpassing greatnessandextraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to tormentandharass me–to keep me from exalting myself!

8 Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me;

9 but He has said to me,“My grace is sufficient for you[My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough–always available–regardless of the situation];for[My]power is being perfected[and is completed and shows itself most effectively]in[your]weakness.”Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.

10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].

11 Now I have become foolish; you have forced me [by questioning my apostleship]. Actually I should have been commended by you [instead of being treated disdainfully], for I was not inferior to thosesuper-apostles, even if I am nobody.

12 The signs that indicate a genuine apostle were performed among you fullyandmost patiently–signs and wonders and miracles.

13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except [for the fact] that I did not burden you [with my financial support]? Forgive me [for doing you] this injustice!

14 Now for the third time I am ready to visit you. I will not burden you [financially], because I do not want what is yours [not your money or your possessions], but you. For children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

15 But I will very gladly spend [my own resources] and be utterly spent for your souls. If I love you greatly, am I to be loved less [by you]?

16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you [with my support]. But [some say that] I was sly and took you by trickery.

17 Did I take advantage of youormake any money off you through any of the messengers I sent you? [Certainly not!]

18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? [No!] Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps? [Of course!]

19 All this time you have been thinking that we are [merely] defending ourselves to you. It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking [as one] in Christ; and everything, dearly beloved, is to strengthen you [spiritually].

20 For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you not to be as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish–that perhapsthere may bestrife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder;

21 I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality and decadence which they formerly practiced.