(=alt.word) · (added word) · [omit]
1 It is necessary to boast; it is not profitable (for me), but I will go on to visions and revelations of (the) Lord.
2 I know a man in Christ, such a man, fourteen years ago, having been caught up(=who was caught up) to (the) third heaven– I do not know whether in (the) body or out of the body – [the] God knows.
3 I know such a man – whether in (the) body or without the body I do not know, God knows -
4 was caught into the paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not permitted for a man to tell.
5 On behalf of such a (man) I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast except in the(=my) weaknesses.
6 For if(=Even if) I might want to boast, I will not be foolish, for I will speak (the) truth. But I refrain, so that no one might(=may) think of me beyond what he sees me or hears from me.
7 And (because of) the abundance of the revelations, therefore, lest I may be exalted, there was given to me a thorn (in) the flesh, a messenger of Satan, that he may buffet me, lest I may be exalted.
8 For this thing, I pleaded (with) the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9 And he has said (to) me, “My grace is sufficient (for) you, For the(=my) power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore the most gladly I will boast in the(=my) weaknesses, so that the power of Christ might(=may) rest upon me.
10 Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions and distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I [may] am weak, then I am strong.
11 I have become foolish. You forced me (to it). For I ought to have been commended by you; for I lacked nothing of(=I am not at all inferior to) the super-apostles, even if I am nothing.
12 Indeed the signs of the apostle were performed among you in all endurance, (in) signs and wonders and mighty works.
13 For what is it (in) which you were inferior to the remaining(=other) churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14 Behold, (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 your things(=yours), but you. For the children ought not to lay up (for) the parents, but the parents (for) the children.
15 But I will most gladly spend and [will] be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved (the) less?
16 But so be it, I did not burden you. But being crafty, I took you (with) deceit!
17 [Not(# expecting the answer ‘No’)] (Is there) any of those whom I sent you, through him(=whom) I took advantage of you?
18 I urged Titus (to go), and sent the brother with (him). [Not(# expecting the answer ‘No’)] Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk (in) the same spirit? (Did we not walk in) the same step?
19 Up to now, do you think that we have been defending (ourselves before) you? We speak before God in Christ. All things, beloved, (are) for your edification.
20 For I fear that I, coming, might(=may) not find you such as I wish, and that I might(=may) be found (by) you such as you do not wish. (I fear that there may be) quarreling, jealousy, angers, selfish ambitions, backbitings, gossips, arrogance and disturbances.
21 (I fear that), my having come again(=when I come again)1, my God might(=will) humble me before you, and I will mourn (for) many of the ones having previously sinned and having not repented of the uncleanness, [and] fornication, and debauchery which they have practiced.
Notes
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genitive absolute ↩