7
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
11
I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.
12
Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
13
For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14
Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek 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 your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
16
But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!
17
Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?