1:1 Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of Elohim and Timothy our brother, to the ekklesia of Elohim that is at Corinth, with all the saints that are in all Achaia:^1:2 Grace to you and peace from Elohim our Father, and from the LORD Jesus Christ.^1:3 Blessed is Elohim, even the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the Elohim of all importation;^1:4 Who comforts us in all our distress so that we may be able to comfort them that are in any trouble, by the comfort in which we ourselves are comforted of Elohim.^1:5 Because as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds by Christ.^1:6 And whether we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation that is operative in the enduring of the same sufferings that we also suffer: or whether we are comforted, it is for your importation and salvation.^1:7 And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so will you be also of the importation.^1:8 Because we would not brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble that came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure above strength, so that we despaired even of life:^1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in Elohim that resurrects the dead:^1:10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.^1:11 You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed on us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.^1:12 Because our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and divine sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the Grace of Elohim, we have had our conduct in the world and more abundantly toward you.^1:13 For we write no other things to you, than what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you will acknowledge even to the end;^1:14 As also you have acknowledged us in part that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of the LORD Jesus.^1:15 And in this confidence I was minded to come to you before, so that you might have a second benefit;^1:16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia to you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.^1:17 When I therefore was so minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yes yes, and no no?^1:18 But as Elohim is true, our word toward you was not yes and no.^1:19 Because the Son of Elohim, Jesus Christ, who was heralded among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yes and no, but in him was yes.^1:20 Because all the promises of Elohim in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of Elohim by us.^1:21 Now he that establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us is Elohim;^1:22 Who has also sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.^1:23 And I for a witness on Elohim do call upon myself, that sparing you I came not unto Corinth;^1:24 Not because we have dominion over your Faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by Faith you stand.

2:1 But I determined this with myself that I would not come again to you in sorrow.^2:2 For if I make you sorry, then who is he who is making me glad, except he who is made sorry by me?^2:3 And I wrote this same to you, unless when I came, I should have sorrow from them of who I should be rejoicing; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.^2:4 Because out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the Love that I have more abundantly to you.^2:5 But if any have caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part; that I may not be a burden to you all.^2:6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, that was inflicted of many.^2:7 So that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, unless perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with exceeding grief.^2:8 Therefore I exhort you that you would confirm your brotherly love toward him.^2:9 Because to this end I also did write that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.^2:10 To who you forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything to whom I pardon, for your sakes I pardon it in the person of Christ;^2:11 unless Satan should get an advantage of us: because we are not ignorant of his devices.^2:12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to announce Christ's Good News, and a door was opened to me from the LORD,^2:13 I had no rest in my spirit because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from there to Macedonia.^2:14 Now thanks be to Elohim that always causes us to triumph in Christ and makes visible the Savor of his knowledge by us in every village.^2:15 Because we are to Elohim a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved and in them that perish:^2:16 To the one we are the smell of death to death; and to the other the smell of life to Life. And who is sufficient for these things? ^2:17 Because we are not as many that corrupt the Word of Elohim: but as of sincerity, but as of Elohim, in the sight of Elohim we speak in Christ.

3:1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we as some others, letters of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?^3:2 You are our letter written in our hearts, known and read of all human beings.^3:3 Manifested that you are a letter of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living Elohim, not in the tablets of stone, but in fleshy tablets of the heart,^3:4 And such trust we have through Christ toward Elohim.^3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is from Elohim;^3:6 Who also has made us able servants of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives Life.^3:7 But if the administration of death, written and engraved in stones was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not gaze upon the face of Moses, (because of the glory of his countenance) which glory was to be done away:^3:8 How will not the administration of the Spirit be more glorious?^3:9 because if the administration of condemnation is glory, much more does the administration of righteousness exceed in glory.^3:10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that transcends.^3:11 Because if what is done away was glorious, much more what remains is glorious.^3:12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great frankness of speech:^3:13 And not as Moses that put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not gaze upon the end of what is rendered inoperative:^3:14 But their minds were hardened, for to this day the same veil at the reading of the Old Covenant does remain unwithdrawn, which in Christ is being rendered inoperative.^3:15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.^3:16 Nevertheless when they will turn to the LORD, the veil will be taken away.^3:17 Now the LORD is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty.^3:18 And we all with unveiled face, the glory of the LORD are beholding in a mirror, to the same image are being transformed, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.

4:1 Therefore seeing we have this administration, as we have received mercy, we weary not;^4:2 But have renounced the secret things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of Elohim deceitfully; but by manifestation of the Truth commending ourselves to every persons' conscience in the sight of Elohim.^4:3 But if our Good News is hidden, it is hidden to them that are lost:^4:4 In whom the elohim of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, unless the Light of the glorious Good News of Christ, who is the image of Elohim, should shine to them.^4:5 Because we herald not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the LORD; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.^4:6 Because Elohim, 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 Elohim in the face of Jesus Christ.^4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be from Elohim, and not from us.^4:8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;^4:9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed;^4:10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the LORD Jesus, that the Life also of Jesus might be made visible in our body.^4:11 Because we that live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made visible in our mortal flesh.^4:12 So then death works in us, but Life in you.^4:13 We having the same Spirit of Faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore I have spoken; we also believe and therefore speak;^4:14 Knowing that HE that resurrected the LORD Jesus will resurrect us also by Jesus, and will present us with you.^4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant Grace might through the thanksgiving of many excel to the glory of Elohim.^4:16 For which cause we do not faint; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.^4:17 Because our light affliction, that is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and age-lasting weight of glory;^4:18 While we look not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen: for the things that are seen are temporal; but the things that are not seen are age-lasting.

5:1 Because we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of Elohim, a house not made with hands, age-lasting in the universe.^5:2 Because in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house that is from the universe:^5:3 If so be that being clothed we will not be found naked.^5:4 Because we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of Life.^5:5 Now he that has achieved this purpose is Elohim, who also has given to us the pledge of the Spirit.^5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the LORD:^5:7 (Because we walk by Faith, not by sight)^5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the LORD.^5:9 Therefore we labor, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.^5:10 Because we must all appear before the Tribunal of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it is good or bad.^5:11 Knowing therefore the Terror of the LORD, we persuade men; but we are made visible to Elohim; and I trust also are made visible in your consciences.^5:12 Because we are not again commending ourselves to you but give you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may have a response for those who take pride in appearances, and not in heart.^5:13 Because whether we are beside ourselves, it is to Elohim: or whether we are sober, it is for your cause.^5:14 Because the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:^5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not now live to themselves, but to him that died for them, and rose again.^5:16 So that from now on we regard no one after the flesh: yes, and even if we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him no longer;^5:17 therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a New Creation: old things are passed away; see, all things appear in history as new.^5:18 And all things are of Elohim, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the Administration of Restoration;^5:19 That Elohim was in Christ, restoring the cosmos to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the Word of Restoration.^5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though Elohim did exhort you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to Elohim.^5:21 Because HE has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, so that we might be made the righteousness of Elohim in him.

6:1 We then, as workers together with him, exhort you also that you receive not the Grace of Elohim in vain.^6:2 (For he says, I have heard you in a time accepted, and in a day of salvation have I helped you: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now presently is a day of salvation.)^6:3 Giving no occasion to stumbling in anything, that the administration be not mocked:^6:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the servants of Elohim, in much patience, afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,^6:5 in stripes, imprisonment's, instability, labors, watchings, and in fastings.^6:6 By pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Sacred Spirit, by brotherly love unfeigned,^6:7 by the Word of Truth, by the power of Elohim, by the Armor of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left,^6:8 by honor and dishonor, by ill report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;^6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as castigated, and not put to death;^6:10 As sorrowful, still always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and still possessing all things.^6:11 O you Corinthians, our mouth is open to you, our heart is enlarged.^6:12 You are not restricted in us, but you are restrained in your own bowels.^6:13 Now as a fair exchange, (I speak as to children,) be you also enlarged.^6:14 Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has Light with darkness?^6:15 And what agreement has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with the unbelieving?^6:16 And what agreement has the Temple of Elohim with idols? because you are the Temple of the living Elohim; as Elohim has said, I will live in them and walk in them; and I will be their Elohim, and they will be my people.^6:17 Therefore come out from among them and be you separate, says the LORD, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you kindly,^6:18 and will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.

7:1 Having therefore these promises dearly esteemed, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the reverence of Elohim.^7:2 Receive us; we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have defrauded no one.^7:3 I speak this not to condemn you: for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die and live with you.^7:4 Great is my frankness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceedingly joyful in all our distresses.^7:5 For when we were come into Macedonia, our body had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; outside were fighting's, inside were fears.^7:6 Nevertheless Elohim, that comforts those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;^7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the importation in which he was comforted in you, when he told us your longing, your mourning, your zealous mind toward me; so that I rejoiced even more.^7:8 Because though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: because I perceive that the same letter has made you sorry, though it were but for a season.^7:9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to have a change of mind, because you were made sorry after a divine manner, that you might receive damage by us in nothing.^7:10 For divine sorrow works a change of mind to salvation, not to be unregretted: but the sorrow of the cosmos works death.^7:11 For lo, this same thing (your being made sorry toward Elohim), how much diligence it does work in you! but defense, but displeasure, but fear, but longing desire, but zeal, but revenge; in everything you did approve yourselves to be pure in the matter.^7:12 Therefore, though I wrote to 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 Elohim might appear to you.^7:13 Because of this we have been comforted in your comfort, and more abundantly the more did we rejoice in the joy of Titus, that his spirit has been refreshed from you all.^7:14 Because if I have boasted anything to him of 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 Truth.^7:15 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.^7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

8:1 Moreover brethren, we make known to you the Grace of Elohim bestowed on the ekklesias of Macedonia;^8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.^8:3 Because to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;^8:4 desiring with us with much supplication that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the service to the saints.^8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the LORD, and to us by the will of Elohim.^8:6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same Grace also.^8:7 Therefore, as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, in all diligence and in your brotherly love to us, see that you abound in this Grace also.^8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the diligence of others, and to examine the sincerity of your brotherly love.^8:9 Because you know the Grace of our LORD Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich.^8:10 And an opinion in this do I give: for this to you is expedient, who not only to do, but also to will, did begin before, a year ago,^8:11 now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to be resolved, so there may be a performance also out of what you have.^8:12 Because if there is first a resolved mind, it is accepted according to what a person has, and not according to what they do not have.^8:13 Because I mean not that other people are eased and you burdened:^8:14 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:^8:15 As it is written, he that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.^8:16 But thanks be to Elohim, that put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.^8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more zealous, of his own accord he went to you.^8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the Good News throughout all the ekklesias;^8:19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the ekklesias to travel with us with this Grace, that is administered by us to the glory of the same LORD, and declaration of your ready mind:^8:20 Avoiding this, that no one should blame us in this abundance that is administered by us^:8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the LORD, but also in the sight of people.^8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, who we have oftentimes proved zealous in many things, but now much more zealous, upon the great confidence that I have in you.^8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or of our brethren, the messengers of the ekklesias and the glory of Christ.^8:24 Therefore show to them and before the ekklesias, the evidence of your brotherly love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

9:1 Because as touching the service to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:^9:2 Because I know the zeal of your mind, for that I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has excited many.^9:3 Yet have I sent the brethren, unless our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that as I said, you may be prepared:^9:4 Because if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to say anything about you) would be embarrassed of having been so confident.^9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren that they would go before to you, and make up beforehand your bounty, in which you had notice before, that the same might be prepared, as a matter of bounty and not as of greed.^9:6 But this I say, he that sows sparingly will reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully will reap also bountifully.^9:7 Everyone according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity, because Elohim loves a cheerful giver.^9:8 And Elohim is able to make all Grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:^9:9 (As it is written, he has dispersed abroad; he has given to the poor: his righteousness abides for the ages.^9:10 Now he that supplies seed to the sower both furnishes bread for your food, and increases your seed sown, and increases the fruits of your righteousness;) ^9:11 Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, that causes through us thanksgiving to Elohim.^9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by much thankfulness to Elohim;^9:13 Through the proof of this administration glorifying Elohim for the subjection of your confession to the Good News of the Christ, and for the liberality of the fellowship to them and to all,^9:14 and by their supplication in your behalf, longing after you because of the exceeding Grace of Elohim upon you.^9:15 Thanks be to Elohim for his unspeakable gift.

10:1 Now I, Paul myself, exhort you by the gentleness and fairness of Christ, who in presence, indeed am humble among you, and being absent, have courage toward you.^10:2 But I exhort you, that I may not be of good courage when I am present with that confidence, which I think to be bold against some that think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.^10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:^10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through Elohim to the pulling down of strongholds;)^10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Elohim, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;^10:6 And being in readiness to avenge every disobedience, whenever your obedience may be fulfilled.^10:7 The things in presence do you see? if anyone has trusted in himself to be Christ's, this let him reckon again from himself, that according as he is Christ's, so also we are Christ's.^10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, that the LORD has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:^10:9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.^10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak and his speech contemptible.^10:11 Let such a 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.^10:12 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.^10:13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule that Elohim has distributed to us, a measure to reach even to you.^10:14 Because we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not to you: for we are come as far as you also in announcing the Good News of Christ:^10:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labors; but having hope, when your Faith is increased, that we will be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,^10:16 to announce the Good News in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another person's line of things made ready to our hand.^10:17 But he that glories, let him glory in the LORD.^10:18 For not he that commends himself is approved, but who the LORD commends.

11:1 O that you were bearing with me a little of the folly, but you also do bear with me^11:2 Because I am jealous over you with divine jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a pure virgin to Christ.^11:3 But I fear, unless by any means, as the snake deceived Eve through his cunning, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.^11:4 Because if he that comes heralds another Jesus, who we have not heralded, or if you receive another spirit, that you have not received, or another Good News, that you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.^11:5 Because I reckon that in nothing I am behind those who are in surpassing "Chief" Apostles.^11:6 But though I be private in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made visible among you in all things.^11:7 Have I committed an offense in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I have announced to you the Good News of Elohim freely?^11:8 I robbed other ekklesias, taking wages from them to do you service.^11:9 And when I was present with you and in need, I was chargeable to no one, because what was lacking to me the brethren that came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so will I keep myself.^11:10 As the Truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.^11:11 Why? because I don't love you? Elohim knows I do.^11:12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire occasion; that where they glory, they may be found even as we.^11:13 Because such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.^11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.^11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his servants also are transformed as the servants of righteousness; whose end will be according to their works.^11:16 Again I say, may no one think me to be a fool; and if otherwise, even as a fool receive me, that I also a little may boast.^11:17 What I speak, I speak not after the LORD, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.^11:18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.^11:19 For you suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.^11:20 For you suffer, if a person brings you into bondage, if a person devours you, if a person takes of you, if a person exalts himself, if a person hits you on the face.^11:21 In reference to dishonor I speak, how that we were weak and in whatever anyone is bold, in foolishness I say it, I also am bold.^11:22 Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.^11:23 Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, at death's door often.^11:24 Of the Jews 5 times received I 39 lashes.^11:25 And 3 times was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, 3 times I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the sea itself;^11:26 In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the pagans, in perils in the city, in perils in the uninhabited places, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;^11:27 In weariness and painfulness, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness.^11:28 Beside these external things that come upon me daily, the care of all the ekklesias.^11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?^11:30 If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my weakness.^11:31 The Elohim and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, that is blessed for the ages, knows that I do not lie.^11:32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:^11:33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall and escaped his hands.

12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the LORD.^12:2 I knew a man in Christ 14 years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: Elohim knows;) such a one seized up to the 3rd universe.^12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: Elohim knows;) ^12:4 How that he was seized up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable Words, that it is not lawful for a man to utter.^12:5 Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in my weaknesses.^12:6 Because though I would desire to glory, I will not be a fool, because I will say the Truth: but now I abstain, unless anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be, or that he hears of me.^12:7 And unless 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 maltreat me, unless I should be exalted above measure.^12:8 Because of this thing I begged the LORD 3 times, that it might depart from me.^12:9 And he said to me, my Grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is accomplished in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weakness, that the power of Christ may take habitation upon me.^12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insolence, in necessities, in persecutions, in calamity for Christ's sake, because when I am weak, then am I strong.^12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me because I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the Great Apostles, though I am nothing.^12:12 Truly the signs of an Apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, miracles, and mighty power.^12:13 Because what is it that you were inferior to other ekklesias, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? pardon me this injustice.^12:14 Behold, the 3rd time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you, because I seek not yours, but you: for the children should not store up for the parents, but the parents for the children.^12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.^12:16 But so be it, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.^12:17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them who I sent to you?^12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit and in the same steps?^12:19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? we speak before Elohim in Christ: but we do all things dearly beloved for your edifying.^12:20 Because I fear, unless when I come, I will not find you such as I would, and that I will be found to you such as you would not: unless there are contentions, envying, anger, factions, defamation, whisperings, pride, instabilty:^12:21 And unless, when I come again, my Elohim will humble me among you, and that I will mourn for many that have sinned already, and have not changed their mind of the uncleanness, pornography and unbridled lust that they have committed.

13:1 This is the 3rd time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses will every word be established.^13:2 I have said before and I predict, as being present the second time, and being absent now, do I write to those having sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare.^13:3 Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, that toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you.^13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, still he lives by the power of Elohim. Because we also are weak in him, but we will live with him by the power of Elohim toward you.^13:5 Examine yourselves, whether you are in the Faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, unless perhaps you fail in the testing?^13:6 But I trust that you will know that we have not failed the test.^13:7 And I pray before Elohim that you do no bad, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, and we may be as disapproved.^13:8 Because we can do nothing against the Truth, but for the Truth.^13:9 For we are glad when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we wish, even your restoration.^13:10 Therefore I write these things being absent, unless being present I should use sharpness, according to the power that the LORD has given me to edification, and not to destruction.^13:11 Finally brethren, farewell. Be rendered fit, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the Elohim of brotherly love and peace will be with you.^13:12 Greet one another with a Holy kiss.^13:13 All the saints welcome you.^13:14 The Grace of the LORD Jesus Christ, and the Love (Agape) of Elohim, and the association of the Sacred Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Copyright 2001 Dallas E. James