God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.

Or did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you could be exalted, because I proclaimed the gospel of God to you free of charge?

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.

But be that as it may, I have not burdened you. Yet because I was a crafty person, I took you in by deceit!

just as also you have partly understood us, that we are your source of pride just as you also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

If you forgive anyone for anything, I also forgive him – for indeed what I have forgiven (if I have forgiven anything) I did so for you in the presence of Christ,

So then from now on we acknowledge no one from an outward human point of view. Even though we have known Christ from such a human point of view, now we do not know him in that way any longer.

For if any of the Macedonians should come with me and find that you are not ready to give, we would be humiliated (not to mention you) by this confidence we had in you.

And what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate any opportunity for those who want a chance to be regarded as our equals in the things they boast about.

even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me – so that I would not become arrogant.

But it is God who establishes us together with you in Christ and who anointed us,

So I made up my own mind not to pay you another painful visit.

so that we may not be exploited by Satan (for we are not ignorant of his schemes).

Therefore, since we have this ministry, just as God has shown us mercy, we do not become discouraged.

For in this earthly house we groan, because we desire to put on our heavenly dwelling,

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart has been opened wide to you.

Since many are boasting according to human standards, I too will boast.

If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness.

I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me.