The Thorn in the Flesh

⁷ And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a ^(A)thorn in the flesh was given to me, ^(B)a messenger of Satan to ^[a]buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. ^8 (C)Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly ^(D)I will rather boast in my infirmities, ^(E)that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore ^(F)I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. ^(G)For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Signs of an Apostle

¹¹ I have become ^(H)a fool ^[b]in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for ^(I)in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though ^(J)I am nothing. ^12 (K)Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and ^(L)wonders and mighty ^(M)deeds.