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2 Corinthians 1
1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our
brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which
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, even the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth
us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any
trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as
the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by
Christ. 6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and
salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we
also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and
salvation. 7
And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are
partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 8 For we
would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia,
that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired
even of life: 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should
not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: 10 Who delivered
us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet
deliver us; 11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift
bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may 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 have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to
you-ward. 13 For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or
acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; 14 As also ye
have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are
ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. 15
And in this confidence I was minded to
come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; 16 And to pass by
you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to
be brought on my way toward Judaea. 17 When I therefore was thus minded, did
I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the
flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? 18 But as God is
true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus
Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus,
was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20 For all the promises of God in
him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which
stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath
also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23
Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as
yet unto Corinth. 24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are
helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
2 Corinthians 2
1
But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in
heaviness. 2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but
the same which is made sorry by me? 3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest,
when I came, I should have sorrow from them of 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 unto you with many tears; not that ye
should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly
unto you. 5
But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in
part: that I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this
punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye ought
rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be
swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would
confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end also did I write, that I
might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. 10 To whom
ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I
forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest
Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his
devices. 12
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and
a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit, because
I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence
into Macedonia. 14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph
in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every
place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are
saved, and in them that perish: 16 To the one we are the savour of death unto
death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for
these things? 17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but
as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3
1
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others,
epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye
are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 Forasmuch
as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us,
written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of
stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through
Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any
thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6
Who also hath made
us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit:
for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration
of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of
Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his
countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the
ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of
condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed
in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this
respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done
away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 12
Seeing
then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as
Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not
stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds
were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the
reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even
unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16
Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall 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 beholding as in a glass the glory of
the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the
Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4
1
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we
faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking
in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of
the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In
whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should
shine unto them. 5 For we preach not 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, hath 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 vessels, that the excellency of the power may 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; cast down,
but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord
Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For
we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also
of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh
in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as
it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and
therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall
raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things
are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of
many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though
our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our
light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are
seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are
temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 5
1
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved,
we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with
our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be
found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened:
not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be
swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is
God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we
are always confident, knowing that, whilst 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 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or
absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body,
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing
therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto
God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 12
For we
commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our
behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and
not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether
we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us;
because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And
that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto
themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16
Wherefore
henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ
after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any
man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all
things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us
to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of
reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto
himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the
word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though
God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to
God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might
be made the righteousness of God in him.
2 Corinthians 6
1
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive
not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time
accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the
accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) 3 Giving no offence in
any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 4 But in all things approving
ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in
necessities, in distresses, 5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in
labours, in watchings, in fastings; 6 By pureness, by knowledge, by
longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, 7 By the
word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right
hand and on the left, 8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good
report: as deceivers, and yet true; 9 As unknown, and yet well known; as
dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful,
yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet
possessing all things. 11
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our
heart is enlarged. 12 Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in
your own bowels. 13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my
children,) be ye also enlarged. 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with
unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and
what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with
Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what
agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living
God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among
them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I
will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons
and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 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 have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have
defrauded no man. 3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before,
that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. 4 Great is my boldness of
speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am
exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. 5
For, when we were come into
Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without
were fightings, within were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those
that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7 And not by his
coming only, but by the consolation wherewith 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 epistle hath made you
sorry, though it were but for a season. 9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were
made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a
godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10 For godly
sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of
the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed
after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of
yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire,
yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to
be clear in this matter. 12
Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not
for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong,
but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you. 13
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed
we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 14 For
if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all
things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is
found a truth. 15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you,
whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye
received him. 16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all
things.
2 Corinthians 8
1
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the
churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the
abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their
liberality. 3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power
they were willing of themselves; 4 Praying us with much intreaty that we
would receive the gift, and take upon 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 unto us by the will of God. 6 Insomuch that we
desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same
grace also. 7
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and
utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that
ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion
of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For
ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for
your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 10 And
herein I give my advice: for this is expedient 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; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a
performance also out of that which ye have. 12 For if there be first a
willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to
that he hath not. 13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye
burdened: 14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be
a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your
want: that there may be equality: 15 As it is written, He that had gathered
much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 16
But
thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for
you. 17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of
his own accord he went unto 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 of 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 which 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 oftentimes proved diligent in many
things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in
you. 23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper
concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the
churches, and the glory of Christ. 24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before
the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
2 Corinthians 9
1
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to
write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of
you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath
provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you
should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest
haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we
say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I
thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you,
and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same
might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 6
But
this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which
soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he
purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for
God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound
toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to
every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given
to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth
seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed
sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in
every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to
God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of
the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by
the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed
subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto
them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you
for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his
unspeakable gift.
2 Corinthians 10
1
Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ,
who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But
I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence,
wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked
according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war
after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty
through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of
God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is
fulfilled. 7
Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man
trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that,
as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. 8 For though I should boast
somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification,
and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9 That I may not seem
as if I would terrify you by letters. 10 For his letters, say they, are
weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech
contemptible. 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by
letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are
present. 12
For we dare not 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 which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto
you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached
not unto you: for we are 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 labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall 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 glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 18
For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord
commendeth.
2 Corinthians 11
1
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear
with me. 2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused
you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,
so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if
ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which
ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. 5
For I suppose I was not
a whit behind the very chiefest apostles. 6 But though I be rude in speech,
yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all
things. 7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be
exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? 8 I robbed
other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. 9 And when I was
present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was
lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things
I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep
myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this
boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God
knoweth. 12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from
them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as
we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself
is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if
his ministers also be 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, that I may boast myself a
little. 17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord, but as it were
foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many glory after
the flesh, I will glory also. 19 For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye
yourselves are wise. 20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a
man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you
on the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak.
Howbeit whereinsoever any 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 seed of
Abraham? so am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am
more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more
frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes
save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I
suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In
journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine
own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in
the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In
weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings
often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that
which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and
I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30 If I must needs glory, I
will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31 The God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I
lie not. 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of
the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a
window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
2 Corinthians 12
1
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and
revelations of the Lord. 2 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. 3 And I knew such a
man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it
is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of
myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 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. 7 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. 8
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9
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. 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 am I strong. 11
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. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all
patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 13 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. 14 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. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you;
though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 16 But be it so,
I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. 17
Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 18 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? 19 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. 20 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: 21 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.
2 Corinthians 13
1
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three
witnesses shall every word be established. 2 I told you before, and foretell
you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them
which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will
not spare: 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to
you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though he was crucified
through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in
him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine
yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your
own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 6 But I
trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. 7
Now I pray to God
that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do
that which is honest, though we be 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 ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 10 Therefore
I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness,
according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to
destruction. 11
Finally, brethren, 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 one another with an holy kiss. 13 All the saints salute
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. <<The second epistle
to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and
Lucas.>>
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Church schedule
Sunday
Prayer time: 10:00-11:00
Sermon time: 11:00-12:00
Kids & youth: 18:00-19:00
Sermon time: 19:00-20:00
Wednesday
Prayer time: 18:00-19:00
Bible study: 19:00-19:30
Friday
Choir practice: 17:00-18:30
Saturday:
Youth meeting: 18:00-20:00
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