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New Testament 2 Corinthians 2 Corinthians 1
King
James Version
1 Paul,
an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto
the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the
saints which are in all Achaia: 2 Grace be to you and
peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be God, even
the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of
all comfort; 4 Who comforteth
us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in
any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings
of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth
by Christ. 6 And whether we be
afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in
the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be
comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the
sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 8 For we would not,
brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we
were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even
of life: 9 But we had the sentence
of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God
which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered us from
so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver
us; 11 Ye also helping
together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of
many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. 12 For our rejoicing is
this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly
sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our
conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. 13 For we write none other
things unto you, that what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall
acknowledge even to the end; 14 As also ye have
acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus. 15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye
might have a second benefit; 16 And to pass by you into
Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be
brought on my way toward Judaea. 17 When I therefore was
thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose,
do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 18 But as God is true, our
word toward you was not yea and nay. 19 For the Son of God,
Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and
Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20 For all the promises of
God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us,
is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 Moreover I call God for
a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet
unto Corinth. 24 Not for that we have
dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your
joy: for by faith ye stand. 2 Corinthians 2
King
James Version
2 But I
determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. 2 For if I make you
sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry
by me? 3 And I wrote this same
unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought
to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For out of much
affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye
should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more
abundantly unto you. 5 But if any have caused
grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a
man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye
ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should
be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you
that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end also
did I write, that I might know the proof of you,
whether ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I
it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get
an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 12 Furthermore, when I
came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the
Lord, 13 I had no rest in my
spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I
went from thence into Macedonia. 14 Now thanks be unto God,
which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and
maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us
in every place. 15 For we are unto God a
sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and
in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and
to the other the savour of life unto life. And who
is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not as many,
which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the
sight of God speak we in Christ. 2 Corinthians 3
King
James Version
3 Do we
begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of
commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle
written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch as ye are
manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not
with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not
in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we
through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are
sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of
ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us
able ministers of the new testament; not of the
letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth,
but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration
of death, written and engraven in stones, was
glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly
behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance;
which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the
ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration
of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was
made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is
done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth
is glorious. 12 Seeing then that we
have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which
put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were
blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail
untaken away in the reading of the old testament;
which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day,
when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it
shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that
Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are
changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the
Lord. 2 Corinthians 4
King
James Version
4 Therefore
seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the
hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word
of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to
every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this
world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the
glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not
ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus'
sake. 6 For God, who commanded
the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the
light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this
treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God,
and not of us. 8 We are troubled on
every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not
forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in
the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be
made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are
always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus
might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh
in us, but life in you. 13 We having
the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and
therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which
raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus,
and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for
your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many
redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet
the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at
the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the
things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are
eternal. 2 Corinthians 5
King
James Version
5 For we
know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a
building of God, an house not made with hands,
eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan,
earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so
be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this
tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but
clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath
wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the
earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always
confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent
from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith,
not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I
say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with
the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be
accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one
may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done,
whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the
terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I
trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 12 For we commend not
ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that
ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in
heart. 13 For whether we be
beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died
for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for
all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but
unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth
know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the
flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be
in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all
things are become new. 18 And all things are of
God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us
the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in
Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses
unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are
ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in
Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to
be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of
God in him. 2 Corinthians 6
King
James Version
6 We
then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the
grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have
heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold,
now is the day of salvation.) 3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things
approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in
afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in
imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by
knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love
unfeigned, 7 By the word of truth,
by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness
on the right hand and on the left, 8 By honour
and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as
deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet
well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as
chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having
nothing, and yet possessing all things. 11 O ye Corinthians, our
mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. 12 Ye are not straitened
in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. 13 Now for a recompence in
the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. 14 Be ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath
Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath
the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God
hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father
unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 7
King
James Version
7 Having
therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Receive us; we have
wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. 3 I speak not this to
condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and
live with you. 4 Great is my boldness of
speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I
am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we
were troubled on every side; without were fightings,
within were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the
coming of Titus; 7 And not by his coming
only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told
us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I
rejoiced the more. 8 For though I made you
sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive
that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that
ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made
sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow
worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the
world worketh death. 11 For behold this
selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it
wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea,
what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In
all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Wherefore, though I
wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for
his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God
might appear unto you. 13 Therefore we were
comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy
of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting,
which I made before Titus, is found a truth. 15 And his inward
affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth
the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him. 16 I rejoice therefore
that I have confidence in you in all things. 2 Corinthians 8
King
James Version
8 Moreover,
brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great
trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty
abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3 For to their power, I
bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us
with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering
to the saints. 5 And this they did, not
as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the
will of God. 6 Insomuch that we
desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same
grace also. 7 Therefore, as ye abound
in every thing, in faith,
and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us,
see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by
commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the
sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he
became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10 And herein I give my
advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do,
but also to be forward a year ago. 11 Now therefore perform
the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a
performance also out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a
willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according
to that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: 14 But by an equality,
that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that
their abundance also may be a supply for your want:
that there may be equality: 15 As it is written, He
that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had
no lack. 16 But thanks be to God,
which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17 For indeed he accepted
the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 18 And we have sent with
him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 19 And not that only, but
who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which
is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your
ready mind: 20 Avoiding this, that no
man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 21 Providing for honest
things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 And we have sent with
them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but
now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 23 Whether any do enquire
of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper
concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of
the churches, and the glory of Christ. 24 Wherefore shew ye to
them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on
your behalf. 2 Corinthians 9
King
James Version
9 For as
touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to
you: 2 For I know the
forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them
of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked
very many. 3 Yet have I sent the
brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as
I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest haply
if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say
not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it
necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and
make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same
might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 6 But this I say, He
which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as
he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He
hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower
both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase
the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all
bountifulness, which causeth through us
thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration
of this service not only supplieth the want of the
saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the
experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed
subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto
them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for
you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for
his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 10
King
James Version
10 Now I
Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in
presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that
I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think
to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the
flesh. 3 For though we walk in
the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong
holds;) 5 Casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a
readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things
after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is
Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even
so are we Christ's. 8 For though I should
boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for
edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9 That I may not seem as
if I would terrify you by letters. 10 For his letters, say
they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his
speech contemptible. 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters
when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. 12 For we dare not make
ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with
some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast
of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which
God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not
ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are
come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things
without our measure, that is, of other men's labours;
but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by
you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in
the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made
ready to our hand. 17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth. 2 Corinthians 11
King
James Version
11 Would
to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed
bear with me. 2 For I am jealous over
you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may
present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any
means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should
be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if
ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel,
which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. 5 For I suppose I was not
a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. 6 But though I be rude in
speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly
made manifest among you in all things. 7 Have I committed an
offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached
to you the gospel of God freely? 8 I robbed other
churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. 9 And when I was present
with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking
to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I
have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ
is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Wherefore? because I
love you not? God knoweth. 12 But what I do, that I
will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that
wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false
apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of
Christ. 14 And no marvel; for
Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no
great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of
righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 16 I say again, let no man
think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast
myself a little. 17 That which I speak, I
speak it not after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of
boasting. 18 Seeing that many glory
after the flesh, I will glory also. 19 For ye suffer fools
gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man
bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a
man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is
bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so
am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of
Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in
prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times
received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten
with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day
I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often,
in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen,
in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness,
in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and
painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and
thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things
that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the
churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am
not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the
things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth
that I lie not. 32 In Damascus the
governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the damascenes with a
garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a window in
a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his
hands. 2 Corinthians 12
King
James Version
12 It is
not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and
revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ
above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out
of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an
one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man,
(whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught
up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a
man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I
glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine
infirmities. 6 For though I would
desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I
forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 And lest I should be
exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was
given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I
should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I
besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take
pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in
distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 11 I am become a fool in
glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you:
for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest
apostles, though I be nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an
apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and
mighty deeds. 13 For what is it wherein
ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I
myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me
this wrong. 14 Behold, the third time
I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek
not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but
the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly
spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I
be loved. 16 But be it so, I did not
burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. 17 Did I make a gain of
you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 18 I desired Titus, and
with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the
same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? 19 Again, think ye that we
excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all
things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. 20 For I fear, lest, when
I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto
you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: 21 And lest, when I come
again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which
have sinned already, and have not repented of the
uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. 2 Corinthians 13
King
James Version
13 This
is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses
shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and
foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I
write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come
again, I will not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof
of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was
crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the
power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the
power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves,
whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own
selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I trust that ye
shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that
ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that
which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing
against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when
we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 10 Therefore I write these
things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to
the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. 11 Finally, brethren,
farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and
the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12 Greet one another with an holy kiss. 13 All the saints salute
you. 14 The grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be
with you all. Amen. |
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