Chapter 12

He telleth of his incomparable visions, ℣.5 but for humility liketh better to talk of his infirmities: ℣.11 putting the fault in the Corinthians for that he is feign thus to rehearse his own commendations. ℣.13 Where again he reasoneth the matter with them like a father, why they should prefer those false Apostles before him. ℣.20 And feareth lest at his coming he shall be compelled to excommunicate many of them.

1. 1

   If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to the visions & revelations of our Lord.

2. 2

   I know a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not: God doth know) such a one rapt even to the third Heaven.

3. 3

   And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not; God doth know)

4. 4

   that he was rapt into Paradise; & heard secret words, which it is not lawful for a man to speak.

5. 5

   For such an one I will glory: but for my self I will glory nothing, saving in my infirmities.

6. 6

   For and if I will glory, I shall not be foolish: for I shall say truth. But I spare, lest any man should esteem me above that which he seeth in me, or heareth any thing of me.

7. 7

   And lest the greatness of the revelations might extol me, there was given me a prick of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me.

8. 8

   For the which thing thrice I besought our Lord, that it might depart from me.

9. 9

   And he said to me: My grace sufficeth thee, for power is perfited in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in mine infirmity, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

10. 10

    For the which cause I please my self in infirmities, in contumelies, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I mighty.

11. 11

    I am become foolish: you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended of you: for I have been nothing less than they that are above measure Apostles: although I am nothing.

12. 12

    Yet the signs of my Apostleship have been done upon you in all patience, in signs & wonders & mighty deeds.

13. 13

    For what is there that you have had less than the other churches; but that I my self have not burdened you? Pardon me this injury.

14. 14

    Behold, now the third time I am ready to come to you; & I will not be burdenous unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children lay up treasures for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15. 15

    But I most gladly will bestow, & will my self moreover be bestowed for your souls: although loving you more, I am loved less.

16. 16

    But be it so: I have not burdened you: but being crafty, I took you by guile.

17. 17

    Have I circumvented you by any of them whom I sent to you?

18. 18

    I requested Titus, and I sent with him a brother. Did Titus circumvent you? walked we not with one spirit? not in the self- same steps?

19. 19

    Of old think you that we excuse our selves to you? Before God, in Christ we speak: but all things (my dearest) for your edifying.

20. 20

    For I fear lest perhaps when I come, I find you not such as I would: and I be found of you, such an one as you would not. Lest perhaps contentions, emulations, stomachings, dissensions, detractions, whisperings, swellings, seditions be among you.

21. 21

    Lest again when I come, God humble me among you: & I mourn many of them that sinned before, & have not done penance for the uncleanness & fornication and incontinency that they have committed.