47:012:006 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.
47:012:007 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.
47:012:008 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
47:012:009 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.
47:012:010 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.
47:012:011 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.
47:012:012 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
47:012:013 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.
47:012:014 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
47:012:015 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the
more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.