man may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me. 012:007 By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. 012:008 Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 012:009 He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 012:010 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. 012:011 I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing. 012:012 Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty works. 012:013 For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong. 012:014 Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 012:015 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less? 012:016 But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception. 012:017 Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you? 012:018 I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn't we walk in the same spirit? Didn't we walk in the same steps? 012:019 Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying. 012:020 For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots; 012:021 that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness and sexual immorality and lustfulness which they committed. 013:001 This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word established."{Deuteronomy 19:15}