Paul’s Revelation

1Have not I reason to glory? for now I shall mention my visions and revelations from the Lord. 2I knew a christian who above fourteen years ago, was snatch'd up even to the third heaven, whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows. 3but tho' I don't know whether it was in the body, or out of the body, which God only knows, 4this I know, that he was snatch'd up into paradise, and heard such secrets as it is not lawful for a man to reveal.

Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace

5I might glory in being the man; but I will not glory in any thing relating to myself, unless it be my sufferings. 6tho' if I had a mind to glory, I might do it without vanity, for I should say nothing but what is true: but now I forbear, lest any man should ascribe more to me than my actions, or my preaching can justify.

7and lest I should be exalted above measure by the extraordinary revelations I have had, I was afflicted in my person, so that the messenger of satan insulted me; concerning which, 8I besought the Lord thrice, to make him leave me. 9but he said to me, "my favour is sufficient for thee: for my strength is shown to be perfect by thy weakness." with pleasure therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may be seen to dwell in me. 10I take pleasure then in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am afflicted, then it is I have fortitude.

Paul’s Concern for the Corinthians

11Am I become vain? 'tis you have forc'd me to it: for I ought to have been commended by you: since I am not inferior to the chiefest of the apostles, tho' in myself I am nothing. 12the marks indeed of an apostle I have shown among you by my extreme patience, by signs, and prodigies, and miracles. 13for in what were ye inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? an injury I hope you will easily forgive.

14This is the third time I purposed to come to you; but I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you: since it is not expected children should lay up for their parents, but parents for their children: on the contrary, 15I shall be glad to sacrifice myself and all I have for your service, even tho' it should happen that the more I love you, the less I should be beloved. 16'tis own'd I did not put you to any charges myself: but was so crafty, as to over-reach you, by others. 17what, did I make a gain of you by any body I sent to you? 18I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother: did Titus make a gain of you? didn't we follow the same principles, and take the same measures?

19do you think I have been making excuses for not coming? as I am a christian, in the presence of God, I have, my beloved, in every thing consulted your advantage. 20yet I fear when I do come I shall not find you such as I would, and that you will find me such as you least desire: I am afraid there are among you debates, envyings, animosities, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, arrogance, tumults: 21and I am afraid, God will humble me when I come again among you, and I shall bewail many who have formerly sinned, and have not yet repented of their impurity, their fornication, and dissoluteness.