2 Corinthians 12 (New Living Translation)
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2. I was cought up to the third heaven forteen years ago. Whether I was in my body, or out of my body, I don't know - only God knows.
3, Yes, only God knows whether I was in my body or outside of my body. But I do know
4. that I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell.
5. That experience is wort boasting about but I'm not going to do it. I will boast only about my weaknesses.
6. If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don;t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message.
7. even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.
8. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.
9. Each time he said, " My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakeness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
10. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, the I am strong.
11. You have made me act like a fool-boasting like this. You ought to be writing commendations for me, for I am not at all inferior to these all.
12. When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you.
13. The only thing I failed to do, which I do in the other churches, was to become a financial burden to you. Please forgive me for this wrong.
14. Now I am coming to you the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have-I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather parents provide for their children.
15. I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.
16. Some of you admit I was not a burden to you. But others still think I was sneaky and took advantage of you by trickery.
17. But how? Did any of the men I sent to you take advantage of you?
18. When I urged Titus to wisit you and sent out other brother with him, did Titus take advantage of you? No! For we have the same spirit and walk in each other's steps, doing things the same way.
19. Perhaps you think we are saying these things just to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ's servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to strengthen you.
20. For I am afraid that when I come I won't like what I find and you won't like my response. I am afraid I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.
21. Yes, I am afraid that when I come again, God will humble me in your presence. And I will be grieved because many of you have not given up your old sins. You have not repented of your impurity, sexual immorality, and eagerness for lustful pleasure.
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Again I see the immaturity of Corinthian Church in this chapter because Paul had to mention several times about the financial burden caused for himself, which the church people was concerned about.
I can't believe Paul even apologized for failing to be financially independent to Corinthian Church!
It shows the church was not spiritually( not financially) ready to support and work with their leaders. They were still babies needed to be fed, not feed other people.
Paul, in this entire chapter and the previous one, took time in describing his experiences and works as a Christ's servant. It seems like he was doing this even though he doesn't feel like to because Corinthian people are in the stage of judging person according to his physical (not spiritual) works, experiences, abilities, and so on. They were already divided into groups quarreling over non essential matters.
They thought they were wise and know enough to judge people (even their leaders). And yet, their reality was that they followed the false leader who spoke things good to hear, and were still dwelling in their obviously sinful life. How blinded they became!
It makes me give a serious thought about myself and my church. I pray that Holy Spirit may reveal the things I (and we) need to repent.