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Paul's Revelations and the Thorn: Strength in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

12
Chapter 12
1 It is necessary to boast; it is not indeed profitable, but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, God knows—whether outside the body I do not know—was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 that he was caught up into paradise and heard unutterable words, which it is not lawful for a man to speak. 5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on behalf of myself I will not boast except in weaknesses. 6 For if I should wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will speak truth; but I spare myself, lest anyone should reckon to me more than what he sees in me or hears from me. 7 And because of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, therefore, so that I might not be exalted above measure, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, an angel of Satan, so that it might buffet me, so that I might not be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing, I exhorted the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may tabernacle over me. 10 Therefore I am well pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, and in tribulations for Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am powerful.