Study Desk

Have such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.

But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the domain which God assigned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.

I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me.

For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well!

Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you without charge?

and when I was present with you and was in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for when the brothers came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you, and will continue to do so.

Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little.

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift at sea.

and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and so escaped his hands.

I know a man in Christ, who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.

And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—

was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.

In behalf of such a man I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except regarding my weaknesses.

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!

I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, since I was in no respect inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.

The distinguishing marks of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs, wonders, and miracles.

For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

Greet one another with a holy kiss.