2 Corinthians 12 :: American Standard Version (ASV)

Paul's Vision

2Co 12:1I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2Co 12:2I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.

2Co 12:3

2Co 12:3And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),

2Co 12:4

2Co 12:4how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

2Co 12:5

2Co 12:5On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.

2Co 12:6

2Co 12:6For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.

A Thorn in the Flesh

2Co 12:7

2Co 12:7And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.

2Co 12:8

2Co 12:8Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

2Co 12:9

2Co 12:9And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2Co 12:10

2Co 12:10Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2Co 12:11

2Co 12:11I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.

2Co 12:12

2Co 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.

2Co 12:13

2Co 12:13For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.

2Co 12:14

2Co 12:14Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

2Co 12:15

2Co 12:15And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

2Co 12:16

2Co 12:16But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

2Co 12:17

2Co 12:17Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?

2Co 12:18

2Co 12:18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

2Co 12:19

2Co 12:19Ye think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

2Co 12:20

2Co 12:20For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;

2Co 12:21

2Co 12:21lest again when I come my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they committed.

Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.

2 Corinthians 12 :: American Standard Version (ASV)

Paul's Vision

A Thorn in the Flesh

Pericope