2 Corinthians
Introduction
Paul, an emissary of Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ by the will of the Almĭghty, and Timothy our brother, to the assembly of the Almĭghty which is at Corinth, with all the holy ones who are throughout Achaia: 1:2Loving-kindness to you and shalōm from the Almĭghty our Făther and A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah.
3Blessed be the Almĭghty and Făther of our A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah, the Făther of mercies and the Almĭghty of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by the Almĭghty.
5Because just as the sufferings of Mĕssiah are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Mĕssiah. 6But when we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. Or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer. 7And our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.
8Because we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of our affliction, which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9But, we held to the sentence of death within ourselves in order that we should not trust in ourselves, but in the Almĭghty who raises the dead, 10who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, he on whom we have set our hope. And he will yet deliver us, 11you also joining in helping us through your prayers, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the loving-kindness bestowed upon us through the prayers of many.
Paul’s Integrity
12Because our proud confidence is this, even the testimony of our conscience—that in holiness and godly sincerity, (not in fleshly wisdom but in the loving-kindness of the Almĭghty), we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. 13Because we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand until the end, 14just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud, as you also are ours, in the day of our A’dŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒.
15And in this confidence I intended at first to come to you, that you might twice receive a blessing, 16that is, to pass your way into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be helped on my journey to Yehūdah.
17So, in deciding this, therefore was I fickle? Or that which I am deliberating, do I deliberate according to the flesh, that with me there should be yes, yes and no, no at the same time? 18But as the Almĭghty is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. 19Because the Almĭghty Sŏn, Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒, who was proclaimed among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes in him. 20Because as many as may be the promises of the Almĭghty, in him they are yes. Therefore also by him is our A’mēn, to the glory of the Almĭghty through us. 21And he who is establishing us with you in Mĕssiah, and who has anointed us, is the Almĭghty, 22who also sealed us and gave us the Spĭrit in our hearts as a pledge.
23But I call the Almĭghty as witness to my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. 24Not that we lord it over your faithfulness, but are workers with you for your joy, because in faithfulness you are surely standing firm.
Reaffirm Your Love
But I determined this for my own sake, that I would not come to you in sorrow again. 2:2Because if I cause you sorrow, who can make me glad except the one whom I made sorrowful? 3And this is the very thing I wrote you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice, after having had confidence in you all, that my joy would be the joy of you all. 4Because out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.
5But if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree—in order not to say too much—to all of you. 6Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, 7so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, lest somehow such a one be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. 9Because to this also I wrote that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10But whomever you forgive anything, I forgive also, because indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Mĕssiah, 11in order that no advantage be taken of us by Sâtan, because we are not ignorant of his schemes.
12Now when I came to Troas for the good news of Mĕssiah, and when a door was opened for me in Yăhweh, 13I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother, so taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia.
14But thanks be to the Almĭghty, who always leads us in his triumph in Mĕssiah, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of him in every place. 15Because we are a fragrance of Mĕssiah to the Almĭghty among those who are being saved, and among those who are perishing. 16To the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things? 17Because we are not like the many, peddling the word of the Almĭghty, but as men of sincerity, but as men of the Almĭghty in the presence of the Almĭghty, in Mĕssiah, we speak.
A Renewed Covenant
Furthermore, are we the first to recommend ourselves? Or do we need, as some, written reports of recommendation to you or from you? 3:2You are our report, (written in our hearts), known and read by all men, 3it being apparent that you are a report from Mĕssiah, being ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living Almĭghty, not on tablets of stones, but on tablets of fleshly hearts.
4And such confidence we have through Mĕssiah toward the Almĭghty. 5Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to regard anything as coming from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from the Almĭghty, 6who also qualified us as ministers of a renewed covenant, not a sentence but a breath of life, because the sentence kills, but the Spĭrit gives life.
7But since the ministry of death in sentences engraved on stones was glorious, so that the sons of Yisra’ēl could not look steadfastly at the face of Mōshēh because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, 8why shouldn’t the ministry of the Spĭrit be even more glorious? 9Because when there is glory in the ministry of condemnation, how much more exceeds the ministry of righteousness in glory. 10And because, it does not seem to be glorified—that which has been glorified, with respect to the greater glory. 11Because when what is fading away is glorious, how much more is what remains glorious.
12Therefore, having such expectation, we use much boldness, and not as Mōshēh who put a veil over his face, so that the sons of Yisra’ēl would not gaze at the end of what is disappearing.
14But their minds have been hardened. Because until this day, the same veil remains covering over reading comprehension of the ancient covenant, it not being unveiled, because by means of Mĕssiah it is undone. 15But to this day whenever Mōshēh should be read comprehendingly, a veil lies over their heart. 16But whenever one may turn to Yăhwēh, the veil is undone.
17Now Yăhwēh is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of Yăhwēh is, there is liberty. 18But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of Yăhwēh, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from Yăhwēh comes the Spirit.
Paul’s Ministry As An Emissary
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, 4:2but we have renounced things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of the Almĭghty, but by demonstration of truth commending ourselves to every person’s conscience in the sight of the Almĭghty. 3And even if our good news is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4in whose case the god of this age has blinded the minds of the unfaithful, that they might not see the light of the good news of the glory of Mĕssiah, who is the image of the Almĭghty. 5Because we do not proclaim ourselves, but Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ as ’Adŏnai̱, and ourselves as your servants for Yĕshūa̒’s sake. 6Because the Almĭghty, who said, Light shall shine out of darkness, is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of the Almĭghty in the face of Mĕssiah.
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of power may be from the Almĭghty and not from ourselves. 8We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed, but not despairing, 9persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed, 10always carrying about in the body the dying of Yĕshūa̒, that the life of Yĕshūa̒ also may be manifested in our body. 11Because we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Yĕshūa̒’ sake, that the life of Yĕshūa̒ also may be demonstrated in our mortal flesh. 12So death works in us, but life in you.
13But having the same spirit of faithfulness, according to what is written, “I affirmed faithfulness, therefore I have spoken up,” we also affirm faithfulness. Therefore we also are speaking up, 14knowing that he who raised ’Adŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ will raise us also with Yĕshūa̒ and will present us with you, 15because all things are for your sakes, so that loving-kindness, having abounded for the sake of many people, may cause to abound the deep gratitude of many more unto the glory of the Almĭghty.
16Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17Because our affliction is for a brief moment, compared to exceeding excess of the everlasting weight of glory being produced in us, 18while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, because the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are everlasting.
The Temporary and Everlasting
Because we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from the Almĭghty, a house not made with hands, everlasting in the heavens. 5:2Because indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. 4Because indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed, but to be clothed, in order that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5Now he who prepared us for this very purpose is the Almĭghty, who gave to us the Spĭrit as a pledge.
6Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in this body, we are absent from Yăhwēh, 7because we walk by faithfulness, not by sight. 8We are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from this body and to be at home with Yăhwēh.
9Therefore also we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to him. 10Because we must all appear before the judgment seat of Mĕssiah, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
11Therefore knowing the fear of Yăhwēh, we persuade men. And to the Almĭghty we have been understood, and I hope also that we have been understood in your hearts. 12We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, that you may have an answer for those who take pride in appearance, and not in the heart. 13Because if we appear to be nuts, it is for the Almĭghty. If we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14Because the love of the Mĕssiah binds us together, having judged this, because one has died for all, therefore we all die to self. 15And he died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for him who died and rose again on their behalf.
16Therefore from now on we regard no one according to worldly standards. And possibly we had regarded Mĕssiah according to worldly standards, but now we regard him no longer. 17Therefore if any one is in Mĕssiah, he becomes a new creation. Old things will have passed away. Behold, new ones will have come. 18Now all these things are from the Almĭghty, who reconciles us to himself through Mĕssiah, and gives us the ministry of reconciliation. 19As such the Almĭghty has been in Mĕssiah reconciling the world to himself, not considering their trespasses against them. And he has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Mĕssiah, as though the Almĭghty were imploring through us. We beg you on behalf of Mĕssiah. Be reconciled to the Almĭghty. 21He made him who knew no sin to be a sin offering on our behalf, so that we might ourselves become the righteousness of the Almĭghty by him.
Keep Ministry Pure
And working together with him, we also urge you not to receive the loving-kindness of the Almĭghty in vain—6:2because he says, “At the acceptable time, I listened to you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation” 3Give no cause for offense in anything, in order that the ministry be not discredited, 4but in everything we commend ourselves as servants of the Almĭghty, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, 6in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 7in the word of truth, in the power of the Almĭghty, by the weapons of justice for the right hand and the left, 8throughout glory and dishonor, throughout evil report and good report, regarded as deceivers and yet true, 9as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live, as punished yet not put to death, 10as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.
11Our mouth has spoken freely to you, Corinthians, our heart is opened wide. 12You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. 13Now in a like exchange—I speak as to children—open wide to us also.
14Do not be bound together with the unfaithful, because what partnership has righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15Or what harmony has Mĕssiah with Beli̱ya‘al, or what has a faithful one in common with an unfaithful one? 16Or what agreement has the Temple of the Almĭghty with idols? Because we are a temple of the living Almĭghty, just as the Almĭghty said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them, and I will be their Almĭghty, and they will be my people.” 17“Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate, says Yăhwēh. And do not touch what is unclean, and I will welcome you. 18And I will be a Făther to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me, says Yăhwēh of Hosts.”
Paul Pours Out His Heart
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Almĭghty.
7:2Make room for us in your hearts! We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one. 3I do not speak to condemn you, because I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. 4Great is my confidence in you, great is my boasting on your behalf/ I am filled with comfort. I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.
5Because even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. 6But the Almĭghty, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.
8Because though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it, because I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while.9I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance, because you were made sorrowful according to the will of the Almĭghty, in order that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10Because the sorrow that is according to the will of the Almĭghty produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11Because look what earnestness this very thing, this godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what avenging of wrong! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter. 12So although I wrote to you it was not for the sake of the offender, nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made known to you in the sight of the Almĭghty. 13For this reason we have been comforted. And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14Because if in anything I have boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before Titus proved to be the truth. 15And his affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.
Great Generosity
Now, brothers, we wish to make known to you the loving-kindness of the Almĭghty which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia, 8:2that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. 3Because I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability they gave of their own accord, 4begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the holy ones, 5and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to Yăhwēh and then to us by the will of the Almĭghty.
6Consequently we urged Titus, that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 7But just as you abound in everything, in faithfulness and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. 8I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also.
9For you know the loving-kindness of our ’Adŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich. 10And I give my opinion in this matter, because this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. 11But now finish doing it also, that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. 12Because if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have. 13Because this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality—14at this present time your abundance being a supply for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality, 15as it is written, “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack.”
16But thanks be to the Almĭghty, who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. 17Because he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. 18And we have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the good news has spread through all the assemblies, 19and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of Yăhwēh himself, and to show our readiness, 20taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration of this generous gift, 21because we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of Yăhwēh, but also in the sight of men. 22And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent, because of his great confidence in you. 23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the assemblies, a glory to Mĕssiah. 24Therefore openly before the assemblies show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.
Supporting The Ministry
For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the holy ones, 9:2because I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3But I have sent the brothers, that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, that, as I was saying, you may be prepared, 4lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to speak of you) should be put to shame by this confidence. 5So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, that the same might be ready as a bountiful gift, and not affected by covetousness.
6Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, because the Almĭghty loves a cheerful giver. 8And the Almĭghty is able to make all loving-kindness abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed, 9as it is written, “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, his justice abides unto the age.” 10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to the Almĭghty. 12Because the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the holy ones, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to the Almĭghty. 13Because of the proof given by this ministry they will glorify the Almĭghty because of your obedience to your confession of the good news of Mĕssiah, and for the liberality of your contribution to them, and to all, 14while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing loving-kindness of the Almĭghty in you. 15Thanks be to the Almĭghty for his indescribable gift!
Paul Pleads With Them
Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Mĕssiah, I who am meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent! 10:2I ask that when I am present I may not be bold with the confidence with which I consider to be courageous against some, who consider us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3Because though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4because the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. 5We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of the Almĭghty, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Mĕssiah, 6and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
7You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Mĕssiah’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Mĕssiah’s, so also are we. 8Because even if I should boast somewhat further about our authority, which Yăhwēh gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, 9because I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. 10Because they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive, and his speech contemptible.” 11Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.
12Because we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves, but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which the Almĭghty apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 14Because we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, because we were the first to come even as far as you in the good news of Mĕssiah, 15not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faithfulness grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, 16so as to proclaim the good news even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another.
17But he who boasts, let him boast in Yăhwēh. 18Because not he who commends himself is approved, but whom Yăhwēh commends.
Paul Defends His Emissaryship
Iwish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you are bearing with me, 11:2because I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I betrothed you to one husband, that to Mĕssiah I might present you as a pure virgin. 3But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Ḥaυυah by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Mĕssiah. 4Because if one comes and proclaims another Yĕshūa̒ whom we have not proclaimed, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different good news which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. 5Because I consider myself not in the least inferior to the most eminent emissaries. 6But even if I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in knowledge, in fact, in every way we have made this evident to you in all things.
7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I proclaimed the good news of the Almĭghty to you without charge? 8I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them to serve you. 9And when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone, because when the brothers came from Macedonia, they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so. 10As the truth of Mĕssiah is in me, this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia. 11Why? because I do not love you? The Almĭghty knows I do! 12But what I am doing, I will continue to do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13Because such men are false emissaries, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as emissaries of Mĕssiah. 14And no wonder, because even Sâtan disguises himself as a messenger of light. 15Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of justice, whose end will be according to their deeds.
16Again I say, let no one think me foolish. But if you do, receive me even as foolish, that I also may boast a little. 17That which I am speaking, I am not speaking as Yăhwēh would, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 18Since many boast according to the flesh, I will boast also. 19Because you, being so wise, bear with the foolish gladly. 20Because you bear with anyone if he enslaves you, if he devours you, if he takes advantage of you, if he exalts himself, if he hits you in the face. 21To my shame I must say that we have been weak by comparison. But in whatever respect anyone else is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am just as bold myself. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Yisra’ēli̱? So am I. Are they descendants of ’Av̱raham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Mĕssiah? (I speak as if insane) I more so, in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. 24Five times I received from the Yehūdi̱m thirty-nine lashes. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the nations, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brothers. 27I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the assemblies. 29Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern?
30If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. 31The Almĭghty and Făther of ’Adŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒, he who is blessed for the ages, knows that I am not lying. 32In Dammeseq the ethnarch under ’Arētas the king was guarding the city of the Dammeseqi̱yyi̱m in order to seize me, 33and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.
Paul’s Vision
Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable. But I will go on to visions and revelations of Yăhwēh. 12:2I know a man in Mĕssiah who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, the Almĭghty knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven. 3And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, the Almĭghty knows—4was caught up into Paradise, and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5On behalf of such a man will I boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. 6Because if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, because I will be speaking the truth, but I refrain from this, so that no one may account me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
A Thorn in the Flesh
7And because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, an messenger of Sâtan to buffet me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8Concerning this I entreated Yăhwēh three times that it might depart from me. 9And he has said to me, “My loving-kindness is sufficient for you, because power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Mĕssiah may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Mĕssiah’s sake, because when I am weak, then I am strong.
11I have become foolish. You yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, because in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent emissaries, even though I am a nobody. 12The signs of a true emissary were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. 13For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the assemblies, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you, because I do not seek what is yours, but you, because children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15And I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you the more, am I to be loved the less?
16But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself, nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I took you in by deceit. 17Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I? 18I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?
19All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of the Almĭghty that we have been speaking in Mĕssiah, and all for your up-building, beloved. 20Because I am afraid, that perhaps when I come, I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish, that perhaps there may be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, and disturbances. 21I am afraid that when I come again my Almĭghty 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, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced.
Examine Yourselves
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 13:2I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone, 3since you are seeking for proof of the Mĕssiah who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. 4Because indeed he was crucified because of weakness, yet he lives because of the power of the Almĭghty. Because we also are weak in him, yet we will live with him because of the power of the Almĭghty directed toward you.
5Test yourselves to see if you are in the Faith. Examine your-selves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? 6But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test. 7Now we pray to the Almĭghty that you do no wrong. Not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we should appear unapproved. 8Because we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 9Because we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong. This we also pray for, that you be made complete. 10For this reason I am writing these things while absent, in order that when present I may not use severity, in accordance with the authority which Yăhwēh gave me, for building up and not for tearing down.
11Finally, brothers, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in shalōm. And the Almĭghty of love and shalōm will be with you.
12Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13All the holy ones greet you. 14The loving-kindness of ’Adŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah, and the love of the Almĭghty, and the fellowship of the Holy Spĭrit, be with you all.