2 Corinthians 12

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Without a doubt, it does me no good to boast. Still, I'll go on to the visions and revelations from the Lord.

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.

I know a man deeply connected to Christ who, fourteen years ago, was caught up to the third heaven. Whether he was in his body or out of it, I can't tell; only God knows.

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

I know this man, though whether he was in his body or out of it I can't tell. Only God knows.

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

He was caught up into paradise, where he heard words too sacred for speech, words no human being is permitted to repeat.

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

I'll take pride in someone else, but not in myself. Instead, I'll find strength in my own weaknesses.

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.

Even though I'd like to boast, I won't be foolish. I'll only speak the truth. But for now, I'll hold back so no one thinks more highly of me than what they see or hear.

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.

To keep me humble because of these overwhelming revelations, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan sent to torment me, so that I wouldn't become too proud.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

I pleaded with God three times, begging Him to take this burden away from me.

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.

He assured me, "My love is all you need. My power shines brightest in your weakness." So, I will joyfully embrace my struggles, allowing Christ's strength to envelop me.

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.

I find joy in my struggles, in criticisms, in needs, in hardships, and in times of trouble for the love of Christ. Because it's in my weakest moments that I truly discover my strength.

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.

You've pushed me to boast foolishly, when you should have been praising me. I'm not less than the greatest apostles, even though I feel insignificant.

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Indeed, you've witnessed the unmistakable marks of a true apostle among you, demonstrated through unwavering patience, miraculous signs, awe-inspiring wonders, and powerful acts.

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.

Why did you feel less valued than other congregations? Was it because I didn't burden you with my needs? Please, forgive me if I've wronged you in this way.

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.

Look, I'm prepared to visit you for the third time. I promise not to be a burden. I'm not after your possessions, but your hearts. It's not the kids' job to provide for their parents, but the parents' to provide for their kids.

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

I'll joyfully give all I have for you, even if the more I love you, the less love I receive in return.

But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

Though it's true, I never burdened you, I must admit, with a touch of cunning, I ensnared you in my clever trap.

Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

Did any of those I sent to you take advantage of you?

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?

I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent another brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Didn't we act in the same spirit and follow the same path?

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.

Do you think we're justifying ourselves to you? We're speaking in the presence of God and Christ. But remember, dear ones, everything we do is for your spiritual growth.

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:

I worry that when I arrive, you may not be as I hope, and I may not be as you wish. I fear there may be arguments, jealousy, anger, conflicts, gossip, arrogance, and chaos.

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.

When I return, I fear God may bring me low before you. I dread mourning for the many who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, the sexual immorality and the lewdness they have practised.