Step by Step, Second Corinthians
From the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version

by Frederick Hoehn, copyright 2014, all rights reserved.  

Chapter 1

We will present here Paul's second letter to the Corinthians.  

Afterward, there will be some words from this author.  

Here is Second Corinthians from the Holy Bible, Hoehn Version--

___2 Corinthians chapter 1
 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints that are in all Achaia,
 2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
 3 Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort,
 4 Who comforts us in all our tribulation, so that we'll be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
 5 For as the sufferings of Christ are abundant in us, so our consolation is also abundant by Christ.
 6 And whether we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective in the enduring of the same sufferings that we also suffer, or whether we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
 7 And our hope of you is steady, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so you'll also be of the consolation.
 8 For we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, of our trouble that came to us in Asia, such that we were pressed beyond limit, above strength, such that we despaired even of life.
 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, so we wouldn't trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead,
 10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver, in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us,
 11 You also helping together by prayer for us, so that for the gift given to us by the means of many people, thanks will be given by many on our behalf.
 12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we've had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
 13 For we write no other things to you, than what you read or acknowledge, and I trust you shall acknowledge even until the end,
 14 As also you've acknowledged us partly, that we are your rejoicing, just as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
 15 And in this confidence, I was thinking I'd come to you before, so you'd have a second benefit,
 16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia to you, and to be brought on my way toward Judea by you.
 17 When I therefore was thinking like that, did I kid around?  Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there would be yes, yes, and no, no?
 18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yes and no.
 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached to you, that is, by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yes and no, but in him was yes.
 20 For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.
 21 Now he that establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God,
 22 Who has also sealed us, and given the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.
 23 Also, I call God to let the record show on my soul, that to spare you I didn't come yet to Corinth.
 24 Not because we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy, for by faith you stand.

___2 Corinthians chapter 2
 1 But I determined this with myself, that I wouldn't come again to you in heaviness.
 2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that makes me glad?  The one that I make sorry.
 3 And I wrote this same to you, so that when I come, I won't have sorrow regarding those about whom I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but so you would know the love that I have more abundantly for you.
 5 But if any has caused grief, he has not grieved me, except a little, so that I will not overcharge you all.
 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, that was inflicted by many.
 7 So that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive him, and comfort him, so he won't be swallowed up by too much sorrow.
 8 So I ask you please to confirm your love toward him.
 9 Because for this purpose also I wrote, that I would know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.
 10 To whom you forgive anything, I forgive also, for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes I forgave it in the person of Christ,
 11 So that Satan won't get an advantage over us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.
 12 Also, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I didn't find Titus my brother, but leaving them, I went from there into Macedonia.
 14 Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes clear the fragrance of his knowledge by us everywhere.
 15 For we are to God a sweet fragrance of Christ, in those who are saved, and in those who are destroyed.
 16 To one we are the odor of death to death, and to the other the fragrance of life to life.  And who is sufficient for these things?
 17 For we are not like many, who corrupt the word of God, but we are sincere, and of God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.

___2 Corinthians chapter 3
 1 Do we begin again to recommend ourselves?  Or like some others, do we need letters of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
 2 You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read by all men,
 3 Since you are clearly declared to be the letter of Christ ministered by us, not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tablets of stone, but in fleshy tablets of the heart.
 4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God,
 5 Not that we are sufficient by ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,
 6 Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit, for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadily look at the face of Moses for the glory of his face, which glory was to be done away with,
 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be more glorious?
 9 For if the ministration of condemnation is glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.
 11 For if that which was done away with was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious.
 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech,
 13 And not like Moses, who put a veil over his face, so that the children of Israel couldn't steadily look to the end of that which is abolished.
 14 But their minds were blinded, for until this day the same veil remains untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament, which veil is done away with in Christ.
 15 But even until this day, when Moses is read, the veil is on their hearts.
 16 But when they turn to the Lord, the veil will be taken away.
 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
 18 But we all, with open face seeing the glory of the Lord like in a mirror, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord.

___2 Corinthians chapter 4
 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we don't faint,
 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by making the truth clear, recommending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
 3 But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are lost,
 4 In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, won't shine for them.
 5 For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
 7 But we have this treasure in earthen containers, so that the excellency of the power will be of God, and not of us.
 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are perplexed, but not in despair,
 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken, thrown down, but not destroyed,
 10 Always carrying around in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that the life also of Jesus will be made clear in our body.
 11 For we that live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life also of Jesus would be made clear in our mortal flesh.
 12 So then death works in us, but life in you.
 13 We, having the same spirit of faith, as it is written, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken," we also believe, and therefore speak,
 14 Knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise us up also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
 15 For all things are for your sakes, so that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many increase to the glory of God.
 16 That's why we don't faint, but though our outward man dies, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
 18 While we don't look at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen, for the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that aren't seen are eternal.

___2 Corinthians chapter 5
 1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were to be destroyed, we have a building of God, a house made without hands, eternal in the heavens.
 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our house that is from heaven,
 3 So that being clothed we won't be found naked.
 4 For we that are in this tabernacle groan, being burdened, not that we want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that mortality will be swallowed up by life.
 5 Now he that has made us for that purpose is God, who also has given us the down payment of the Spirit.
 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord,
 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight.)
 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
 9 So we labor, so that whether present or absent, we'll be accepted by him.
 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that everyone will receive for the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it is good or bad.
 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made clear to God, and I trust also are made clear to your consciences.
 12 For we don't recommend ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, so that you'll have something to answer those who glory in appearance, and not in heart.
 13 For whether we are beside ourselves, it is to God, or whether we are sober, it is for you.
 14 For the love of Christ restrains us, because we judge this way, that if someone died for all, then all were dead.
 15 And that he died for all, so that those who live should not anymore live to themselves, but to him who died for them, and rose again.
 16 So from now on we don't know any man according to the flesh, yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet from now on we don't know him anymore according to the flesh.
 17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, see, all things have become new.
 18 And all things are of God, who has reunited us with himself by Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reuniting,
 19 So we know that God was in Christ, reuniting the world to himself, not counting their sins against them, and has given to us the word of reuniting.
 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God is asking you by us, we ask you instead of Christ, be reunited to God.
 21 For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, so we would be made the righteousness of God in him.

___2 Corinthians chapter 6
 1 We then, as workers together with him, ask you also not to receive the grace of God in vain.
 2 (For he says, "I've heard you in an acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I've strengthened you, see, now is the accepted time, see, now is the day of salvation.")
 3 Giving no offense in anything, so the ministry won't be blamed,
 4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
 5 In strokes of the whip, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in staying awake, in fastings,
 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unpretended,
 7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
 8 By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report, as deceivers, and yet true,
 9 As unknown, and yet well known, as dying, and see, we live, as punished, and not killed,
 10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
 11 O you Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged.
 12 You're not restricted in us, but you're restricted in your own bowels.
 13 Now for a repayment in the same, (I speak as to my children,) be also enlarged.
 14 Don't be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship does righteousness have with unrighteousness?  And what communion does light have with darkness?
 15 And what agreement does Christ have with Belial?  Or what part does the believer have with an unbeliever?
 16 And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols?  For you are the temple of the living God, as God has said, "I will live in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
 17 "So, come out from among them, and be separate," says the Lord, "and don't touch the unclean thing, and I'll receive you,
 18 And will be a Father to you, and you'll be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

___2 Corinthians chapter 7
 1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
 2 Receive us.  We've wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
 3 I don't say this to condemn you, for I've said before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you.
 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying about you.  I'm filled with comfort, I'm very joyful in all our tribulation.
 5 For, when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side, outside were fightings, inside were fears.
 6 But God, who comforts those who are thrown down, comforted us by the coming of Titus,
 7 And not by his coming only, but by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me, so that I rejoiced the more.
 8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent, for I perceive that the same letter has made you sorry, though just for a short while.
 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance, for you were made sorry in a godly way, so you wouldn't be damaged by us in any way.
 10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation that is not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world works death.
 11 For look at this same thing, that you sorrowed in a godly way.  What carefulness it worked in you, yes, what clearing of yourselves, yes, what indignation, yes, what fear, yes, what strong desire, yes, what zeal, yes, what revenge!  In all things you've approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
 12 So, though I wrote to you, I didn't do it because of him that had done wrong, nor because of the one who was wronged, but so our care for you in the sight of God would be clear to you.
 13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort, yes, and very much more, we rejoiced for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you.
 14 For if I've boasted anything to him about you, I am not ashamed, but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, that I made before Titus, is found to be true.
 15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, while he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.
 16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

___2 Corinthians chapter 8
 1 Also brothers, we want you to know about the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,
 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty became the riches of their liberality.
 3 For I testify to their power, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves,
 4 Asking us sincerely that we would receive the gift, and take on us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
 5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.
 6 So much that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
 7 Therefore, as you have abundance in everything, in faith, and speaking, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, make sure you're abundant in this grace also.
 8 I don't speak by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that through his poverty, you would be rich.
 10 And in this I give my advice, for this is best for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
 11 Now therefore perform the doing of it, so that as there was a willingness, so there'll be a performance also out of what you have.
 12 For if there's first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has, and not according to what he doesn't have.
 13 For I don't mean that other men have it easy, while you're burdened,
 14 But by equality, so that now your abundance will supply their needs, so that their abundance also will supply your needs, so there will be equality,
 15 As it is written, "He that had gathered much had no surplus, and he that had gathered little had no lack."
 16 But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
 17 For indeed, he accepted the exhortation, but being more forward, by his own choice he went to you.
 18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,
 19 And not that only, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind,
 20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance that is administered by us,
 21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
 22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often proven diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, on the great confidence which I have in you.
 23 Whether anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you, or if our brothers are inquired about, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
 24 So show them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting about you.

___2 Corinthians chapter 9
 1 For concerning the ministering to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you,
 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast about you to those of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago, and your zeal has provoked very many.
 3 Yet I've sent the brothers, so that our boasting about you won't be in vain in this behalf, so that, as I said, you'll be ready,
 4 So that perhaps, if those of Macedonia come with me, if they find you unprepared, we (so that we don't say you) won't be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers, that they would go before to you, and make up, ahead of time, your abundance, about which you had notice before, so that the same would be ready, as a matter of abundance, and not as of covetousness.
 6 But this I say, he that plants sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he that plants abundantly shall also reap abundantly.
 7 Let every man give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, nor because he must, for God loves a cheerful giver.
 8 And God is able to make all grace to be abundant for you, so that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, will be abundant in every good work,
 9 (As it is written, "He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains forever."
 10 Now he that ministers seed to the planter both minister bread for your food, and multiply your planted seed, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,)
 11 Being enriched in everything to all abundance, which causes thanksgiving to God through us.
 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God,
 13 While, by the putting into practice of this ministration, they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them, and to all men,
 14 And by their prayer for you, who long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
 15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

___2 Corinthians chapter 10
 1 Now I Paul myself ask you please, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent, am bold toward you,
 2 But I ask you please, so I won't be bold when I am present with that confidence with which I think to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,
 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds,)
 5 Throwing down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ,
 6 And having a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
 7 Do you look at things after the outward appearance?  If any man trusts to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's.
 8 For though I would boast somewhat more of our authority, that the Lord has given us for building up, and not for your destruction, I wouldn't be ashamed,
 9 So I won't seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
 10 "For his letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."
 11 Let such a person think this, that such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, we will be such also in performance when we are present.
 12 For we don't dare make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves, but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule that God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even to you.
 14 For we don't stretch ourselves beyond our measure, as though we didn't reach to you, for we have come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ,
 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors, but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we'll be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.
 17 But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord.
 18 For he that commends himself is not approved, but whom the Lord commends.

___2 Corinthians chapter 11
 1 I wish to God you could bear with me a little in my foolishness, and indeed, bear with me.
 2 For I'm jealous over you with godly jealousy, for I have married you to one husband, so that I can present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
 3 But I fear, so that by no means, like the serpent seduced Eve through his subtlety, would your minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
 4 For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, that you haven't received, or another gospel, that you haven't accepted, you might well bear with him.
 5 For I suppose I was not a bit behind the very top apostles.
 6 But though I'm rude in speech, yet not in knowledge, but we have been thoroughly made clear to you in all things.
 7 Have I committed an offense in bringing myself low, so you would be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them, to do work for you.
 9 And when I was present with you, and lacked, I was chargeable to no man, for what was lacking to me the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied, and in all things I've kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I'll keep doing that.
 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
 11 Why?  Because I don't love you?  God knows.
 12 But what I do, I'll do, so that I can cut off occasion from those who desire occasion, so that in what they glory about, they'll be found like us.
 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
 14 And that's no surprise, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
 15 Therefore it is no big deal if his ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.
 16 I say again, let no man think me a fool, if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, so I can boast myself a little.
 17 That which I speak, I don't speak after the Lord, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.
 18 Seeing that many glory according to the flesh, I will glory also.
 19 For you endure fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.
 20 For you suffer, if a man brings you into bondage, if a man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man exalts himself, if a man smites you on the face.
 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak.  But in whatever way anyone is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
 22 Are they Hebrews?  So am I.  Are they Israelites?  So am I.  Are they the descendants of Abraham?  So am I.
 23 Are they ministers of Christ?  (I speak as a fool)  I am more, in labors more abundant, in strokes of the whip beyond measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.
 24 From the Jews I received thirty nine stripes, five different times.
 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I've been in the sea,
 26 In journeys often, in dangers of waters, in dangers of robbers, in dangers by my own countrymen, in dangers by the heathen, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers in the sea, in dangers among false brothers,
 27 In weariness and pain, in staying awake often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
 28 Beside the things that are outside, that which comes on me daily, the care of all the churches.
 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak?  Who is offended, and I don't burn?
 30 If I must glory, I will glory about the things that concern my infirmities.
 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows I'm not lying.
 32 In Damascus, the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a band of soldiers, wanting to arrest me,
 33 And in a basket through a window I was let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

___2 Corinthians chapter 12
 1 Without a doubt, it is not expedient for me to glory.  I will talk about visions and revelations of the Lord.
 2 I knew a man in Christ more than fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I can't tell, or whether out of the body I can't tell, God knows,) who was caught up to the third heaven.
 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body I can't tell, God knows,)
 4 How he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it's not lawful for a man to speak.
 5 I will glory of such a person, yet of myself I won't glory, but in my infirmities.
 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool, for I will say the truth, but now I refrain, so that no man will esteem me to be more than what he sees me to be, or that he hears about me.
 7 And so I wouldn't be exalted beyond measure through the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, the messenger of Satan to punch me, so I wouldn't be exalted beyond measure.
 8 I asked the Lord three times to make this thing go away from me.
 9 And he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  Most gladly therefore, I'll rather glory in my infirmities, so that the power of Christ will rest on me.
 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I'm strong.
 11 I've become a fool in glorying.  You've compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am behind the very top apostles in nothing, though I'm nothing.
 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were performed among you in all patience, 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 See, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I won't be burdensome to you, for I seek not what is 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 you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
 16 But if it's so, I didn't burden you, anyway, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
 17 Did I make a gain of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
 18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother.  Did Titus make a gain of you?  Didn't we walk in the same spirit?  Didn't we walk in the same steps?
 19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you?  We speak before God in Christ, but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your building up.
 20 For I'm afraid that when I come, I won't find you such as I would prefer, and so that you don't find me as you would like, and that there might be debates, envying, wraths, strife, backbiting, whisperings, swellings, tumults,
 21 And so that when I come again, my God won't humble me among you, and so I won't lament many who've sinned already, and haven't repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lust that they've committed.

___2 Corinthians chapter 13
 1 This is the third time I am coming to you.  Every word shall be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses.
 2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present the second time, and being absent now, I write to those who've previously sinned, and to all others, that if I come again, I won't spare.
 3 Since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me, which toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you.
 4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God.  For we also are weak in him, but we'll live with him by the power of God toward you.
 5 Examine yourselves, whether you're in the faith, test your own selves.  Don't you know, your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you're reprobates?
 6 But I trust that you know that we aren't reprobates.
 7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not so we would appear approved, but so that you will do that which is honest, though we are as reprobates.
 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong, and this also we wish, your perfection.
 10 Therefore I write these things being absent, so that being present I won't use sharpness, according to the power that the Lord has given me for building up, and not for destruction.
 11 Finally brothers, farewell.  Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
 12 Greet each other with a holy kiss.
 13 All the saints greet you.
 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.  Amen.

Chapter 2

From chapter 1--

Paul writes to the church at Corinth.  Timothy is with Paul.  

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, so that we'll be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  

For as the sufferings of Christ are abundant in us, so our consolation is also abundant by Christ.  And whether we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective in the enduring of the same sufferings that we also suffer, or whether we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.  

And our hope of you is steady, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so you'll also be of the consolation.  For we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, of our trouble that came to us in Asia, such that we were pressed beyond limit, above strength, such that we despaired even of life.

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we've had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly toward you.

For we write no other things to you, than what you read or acknowledge, and I trust you shall acknowledge even until the end,

When I therefore was thinking like that, did I kid around?  Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, so that with me there would be yes, yes, and no, no?  But as God is true, our word toward you was not yes and no.  

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached to you, that is, by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yes and no, but in him was yes.  For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us.  

Now he that establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, is God, Who has also sealed us, and given the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

Not because we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy, for by faith you stand.

From chapter 2--

But I determined this with myself, that I wouldn't come again to you in heaviness.  For if I make you sorry, who is he then that makes me glad?  The one that I make sorry.  

And I wrote this same to you, so that when I come, I won't have sorrow regarding those about whom I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.  

For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but so you would know the love that I have more abundantly for you.  But if any has caused grief, he has not grieved me, except a little, so that I will not overcharge you all.  

Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, that was inflicted by many.  So that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive him, and comfort him, so he won't be swallowed up by too much sorrow.  So I ask you please to confirm your love toward him.

To whom you forgive anything, I forgive also, for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes I forgave it in the person of Christ, So that Satan won't get an advantage over us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes clear the fragrance of his knowledge by us everywhere.  

For we are to God a sweet fragrance of Christ, in those who are saved, and in those who are destroyed.  To one we are the odor of death to death, and to the other the fragrance of life to life.  And who is sufficient for these things?

From chapter 3--

Do we begin again to recommend ourselves?  Or like some others, do we need letters of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read by all men, Since you are clearly declared to be the letter of Christ ministered by us, not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tablets of stone, but in fleshy tablets of the heart.

Not that we are sufficient by ourselves to think anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit, for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.

But if the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadily look at the face of Moses for the glory of his face, which glory was to be done away with, 

How shall not the ministration of the spirit be more glorious?  For if the ministration of condemnation is glory, much more does the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.  For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.  

For if that which was done away with was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious.  Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech,

And not like Moses, who put a veil over his face, so that the children of Israel couldn't steadily look to the end of that which is abolished.  But their minds were blinded, for until this day the same veil remains untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament, which veil is done away with in Christ.  

But even until this day, when Moses is read, the veil is on their hearts.  But when they turn to the Lord, the veil will be taken away.

Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  But we all, with open face seeing the glory of the Lord like in a mirror, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord.

From chapter 4--

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we don't faint, But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by making the truth clear, recommending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  

But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are lost, In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who don't believe, so that the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, won't shine for them.  

For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

For we that live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life also of Jesus would be made clear in our mortal flesh.  So then death works in us, but life in you.  

We, having the same spirit of faith, as it is written, "I believed, and therefore I have spoken," we also believe, and therefore speak, Knowing that he that raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise us up also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.  

For all things are for your sakes, so that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many increase to the glory of God.  That's why we don't faint, but though our outward man dies, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, While we don't look at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen, for the things that are seen are temporary, but the things that aren't seen are eternal.

From chapter 5--

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were to be destroyed, we have a building of God, a house made without hands, eternal in the heavens.

For we that are in this tabernacle groan, being burdened, not that we want to be unclothed, but clothed, so that mortality will be swallowed up by life.  Now he that has made us for that purpose is God, who also has given us the down payment of the Spirit.  

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord, (For we walk by faith, not by sight.)

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that everyone will receive for the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it is good or bad.  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made clear to God, and I trust also are made clear to your consciences.  

For we don't recommend ourselves again to you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, so that you'll have something to answer those who glory in appearance, and not in heart.  For whether we are beside ourselves, it is to God, or whether we are sober, it is for you.  

For the love of Christ restrains us, because we judge this way, that if someone died for all, then all were dead.  And that he died for all, so that those who live should not anymore live to themselves, but to him who died for them, and rose again.  

So from now on we don't know any man according to the flesh, yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet from now on we don't know him anymore according to the flesh.

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things have passed away, see, all things have become new.  And all things are of God, who has reunited us with himself by Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reuniting, 

So we know that God was in Christ, reuniting the world to himself, not counting their sins against them, and has given to us the word of reuniting. 

For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, so we would be made the righteousness of God in him.

From chapter 6--

We then, as workers together with him, ask you also not to receive the grace of God in vain. (For he says, "I've heard you in an acceptable time, and in the day of salvation I've strengthened you, see, now is the accepted time, see, now is the day of salvation.") Giving no offense in anything, so the ministry won't be blamed.

By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unpretended,

By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report, as deceivers, and yet true, 

As unknown, and yet well known, as dying, and see, we live, as punished, and not killed, As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as poor, yet making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Don't be unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship does righteousness have with unrighteousness?  And what communion does light have with darkness?  

And what agreement does Christ have with Belial?  Or what part does the believer have with an unbeliever?  And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols?  For you are the temple of the living God, as God has said, "I will live in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  

So, come out from among them, and be separate," says the Lord, "and don't touch the unclean thing, and I'll receive you, And will be a Father to you, and you'll be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."

From chapter 7--

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

For, when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side, outside were fightings, inside were fears.  But God, who comforts those who are thrown down, comforted us by the coming of Titus,

For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent, for I perceive that the same letter has made you sorry, though just for a short while.  

Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance, for you were made sorry in a godly way, so you wouldn't be damaged by us in any way.  For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation that is not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world works death.  

For look at this same thing, that you sorrowed in a godly way.  What carefulness it worked in you, yes, what clearing of yourselves, yes, what indignation, yes, what fear, yes, what strong desire, yes, what zeal, yes, what revenge!  In all things you've approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.  

Therefore we were comforted in your comfort, yes, and very much more, we rejoiced for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by all of you.  For if I've boasted anything to him about you, I am not ashamed, but as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, that I made before Titus, is found to be true.  

And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, while he remembers the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.  I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

From chapter 8--

Also brothers, we want you to know about the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty became the riches of their liberality.  

For I testify to their power, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves, Asking us sincerely that we would receive the gift, and take on us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.  And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.

Therefore, as you have abundance in everything, in faith, and speaking, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, make sure you're abundant in this grace also.

As it is written, "He that had gathered much had no surplus, and he that had gathered little had no lack."  But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.  

For indeed, he accepted the exhortation, but being more forward, by his own choice he went to you.  And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,  

And not that only, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind,

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.  And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have often proven diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, on the great confidence which I have in you.

So show them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting about you.

From chapter 9--

For concerning the ministering to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you, For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast about you to those of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago, and your zeal has provoked very many.  

Yet I've sent the brothers, so that our boasting about you won't be in vain in this behalf, so that, as I said, you'll be ready.

But this I say, he that plants sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he that plants abundantly shall also reap abundantly.  Let every man give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, nor because he must, for God loves a cheerful giver.  

And God is able to make all grace to be abundant for you, so that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, will be abundant in every good work, (As it is written, "He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness remains forever."  

Now he that ministers seed to the planter both minister bread for your food, and multiply your planted seed, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,)  Being enriched in everything to all abundance, which causes thanksgiving to God through us.
 
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

From chapter 10--

Now I Paul myself ask you please, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent, am bold toward you, But I ask you please, so I won't be bold when I am present with that confidence with which I think to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.  

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds,) 

Throwing down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, And having a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

“His letters," they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible."

But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule that God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even to you.  For we don't stretch ourselves beyond our measure, as though we didn't reach to you, for we have come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ, 

Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors, but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we'll be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 

To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand.  But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord.  For he that commends himself is not approved, but whom the Lord commends.

From chapter 11--

I wish to God you could bear with me a little in my foolishness, and indeed, bear with me.  For I'm jealous over you with godly jealousy, for I have married you to one husband, so that I can present you as a pure virgin to Christ.  

But I fear, so that by no means, like the serpent seduced Eve through his subtlety, would your minds be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  For if he that comes preaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, that you haven't received, or another gospel, that you haven't accepted, you might well bear with him.
 
Have I committed an offense in bringing myself low, so you would be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?

And when I was present with you, and lacked, I was chargeable to no man, for what was lacking to me the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied, and in all things I've kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I'll keep doing that.  

As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.  Why?  Because I don't love you?  God knows.  But what I do, I'll do, so that I can cut off occasion from those who desire occasion, so that in what they glory about, they'll be found like us.  

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And that's no surprise, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no big deal if his ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works.

For you suffer, if a man brings you into bondage, if a man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man exalts himself, if a man smites you on the face.  I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak.  But in whatever way anyone is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.  

Are they Hebrews?  So am I.  Are they Israelites?  So am I.  Are they the descendants of Abraham?  So am I.  Are they ministers of Christ?  (I speak as a fool)  I am more, in labors more abundant, in strokes of the whip beyond measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.  

From the Jews I received thirty nine stripes, five different times.  Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I've been in the sea,  

In journeys often, in dangers of waters, in dangers of robbers, in dangers by my own countrymen, in dangers by the heathen, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers in the sea, in dangers among false brothers, In weariness and pain, in staying awake often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.  

Beside the things that are outside, that which comes on me daily, the care of all the churches.

Who is weak, and I am not weak?  Who is offended, and I don't burn?  If I must glory, I will glory about the things that concern my infirmities.  The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forever, knows I'm not lying.

From chapter 12--

Without a doubt, it is not expedient for me to glory.  I will talk about visions and revelations of the Lord.  I knew a man in Christ more than fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I can't tell, or whether out of the body I can't tell, God knows,) who was caught up to the third heaven.  

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body I can't tell, God knows,)  How he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it's not lawful for a man to speak.  

I will glory of such a person, yet of myself I won't glory, but in my infirmities.  For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool, for I will say the truth, but now I refrain, so that no man will esteem me to be more than what he sees me to be, or that he hears about me.  

And so I wouldn't be exalted beyond measure through the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, the messenger of Satan to punch me, so I wouldn't be exalted beyond measure.  I asked the Lord three times to make this thing go away from me.  

And he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."  Most gladly therefore, I'll rather glory in my infirmities, so that the power of Christ will rest on me.

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

See, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I won't be burdensome to you, for I seek not what is yours, but you, for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother.  Did Titus make a gain of you?  Didn't we walk in the same spirit?  Didn't we walk in the same steps?  Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you?  

We speak before God in Christ, but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your building up.  For I'm afraid that when I come, I won't find you such as I would prefer, and so that you don't find me as you would like, and that there might be debates, envying, wraths, strife, backbiting, whisperings, swellings, tumults, 

And so that when I come again, my God won't humble me among you, and so I won't lament many who've sinned already, and haven't repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lust that they've committed.

From chapter 13--

This is the third time I am coming to you.  Every word shall be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses.  I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present the second time, and being absent now, I write to those who've previously sinned, and to all others, that if I come again, I won't spare.  

Since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me, which toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you.  For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God.  

For we also are weak in him, but we'll live with him by the power of God toward you.  Examine yourselves, whether you're in the faith, test your own selves.  Don't you know, your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you're reprobates?
 
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.  For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong, and this also we wish, your perfection.

Finally brothers, farewell.  Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.  Amen.

What wonderful literary ability the Apostle Paul has!

Just his style is very impressive.   

And this guy puts together some very long sentences that make perfect sense.  

But Paul was called by God to be an Apostle.  

He endured a lot of tribulation in carrying out his ministry.  Shipwreck, stripes from the whips of the Jews.  

And yet, Paul had a great burden for his people, Israel.  

We are very blessed to have the teachings of Paul.