2 Corinthians (Qorintiyim 2)

2 CORINTHIANS

1

Paul, an apostle of A1YHWH B45haMashiach by the will of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), and A75Timothy our brother, unto the assembly of God (Elohim) who is at Corinth, with all the holy ones who are in all Achaia;

2 Grace be to you and peace from God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) our Father, and from our Lord (Adonai) YHWH haMashiach.

3 Blessed be God (Elohim), even the Father of our Lord (Adonai) YHWH haMashiach, the Father of mercies, and the God (Elohim) of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them who are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)).

5 For as the sufferings of the Messiah (haMashiach) abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by the Messiah (haMashiach).

6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation.

8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life;

9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God (Elohim) who raiseth the dead;

10 Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust that He will yet deliver us;

11 You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly toward you.

13 For we write none other things unto you than what you read or acknowledge; and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end;

14 As also you have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours in the day of our Lord (Adonai) YHWH.

15 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that you might have a second benefit;

16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judah (Yehudah).

17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

18 But as יהוה (YHWH) is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

19 For the B47Humanity of El, YHWH haMashiach, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in Him was yea.

20 For all the promises of God (Elohim) in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) by us.

21 Now He who stablisheth us with you in Messiah (Mashiach), and hath anointed us, is יהוה (YHWH);

22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

23 Moreover I call יהוה (YHWH) for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith you stand.

2

But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.

2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.

5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part; that I may not overcharge you all.

6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.

7 So that contrariwise you ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

8 Wherefore I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him.

9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether you be obedient in all things.

10 To whom you forgive any thing, I forgive also; for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of the Messiah (haMashiach);

11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us, for we are not ignorant of his devices.

12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Messiah (Mashiach)’s gospel (good news), and a door was opened unto me of the Lord (YHWH),

13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

14 Now thanks be unto God (Elohim), who always causeth us to triumph in our Messiah (Mashiach), and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.

15 For we are unto God (Elohim) a sweet savour of the Messiah (haMashiach), in them that are saved, and in them that perish;

16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not as many, who corrupt the word of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)); but as of sincerity, but as of God (Elohim), in the sight of God (Elohim) speak we in Messiah (Mashiach).

3

Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?

2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men;

3 Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of the Messiah (haMashiach) ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God (Elohim); not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

4 And such trust have we through our Messiah (Mashiach) toward God (Elohim);

5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God (Elohim);

6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the New Covenant (Berit haChadashah); not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.

7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Yisrael could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses (Mosheh) for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away;

8 How shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious?

9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceeds in glory.

10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.

11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.

12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech;

13 And not as Moses (Mosheh), who put a vail over his face, that the children of Yisrael could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished;

14 But their minds were blinded, for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the Old Covenant (Berit haYeshanah); which vail is done away in Messiah (Mashiach).

15 But even unto this day, when Moses (Mosheh) is read, the vail is upon their heart.

16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to יהוה, the vail shall be taken away. – Exo. 34:34

17 Now יהוה is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of יהוה is, there is liberty.

18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of יהוה are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of יהוה.

4

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God (Elohim).

3 But if our gospel (good news) be hid, it is hid to them that are lost;

4 In whom the god (elohim) of this world hath blinded the minds of them who believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel (good news) of the Messiah (haMashiach), who is the image of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), should shine unto them.

5 For we preach not ourselves, but the Messiah (haMashiach) YHWH the Lord (Adonai); and ourselves your servants for YHWH’s sake.

6 For God (Elohim), who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God (Elohim) in the face of YHWH haMashiach.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of our Lord (Adonai) YHWH, that the life also of YHWH might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we who live are always delivered unto death for YHWH’s sake, that the life also of YHWH might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, “I believed, and therefore have I spoken”; we also believe, and therefore speak; – Psa.116:10

14 Knowing that He who raised up the Lord (Adonai) YHWH shall raise up us also by YHWH, and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God (Elohim).

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

5

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God (Elohim), a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven;

3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

5 Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.

6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord (YHWH);

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight;

8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord (YHWH).

9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of the Messiah (haMashiach); that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

11 Knowing therefore the terror of יהוה, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God (Elohim); and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that you may have somewhat to answer them who glory in appearance, and not in heart.

13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God (Elohim); or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.

14 For the love of the Messiah (haMashiach) constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead;

15 And that He died for all, that they who live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them, and rose again.

16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh; yea, though we have known the Messiah (haMashiach) after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more.

17 Therefore if any man be in Messiah (Mashiach), he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), who hath reconciled us to Himself by YHWH haMashiach, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit, that יהוה (YHWH) was in Messiah (Mashiach), reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for the Messiah (haMashiach), as though God (Elohim) did beseech you by us; we pray you in Messiah (Mashiach)’s stead, be you reconciled to God (Elohim).

21 For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God (Elohim) in Him.

6

We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also that you receive not the grace of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) in vain.

2 For He saith, “I have heard you in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. – Isa. 49:8

3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed;

4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God (Elohim), in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by love unfeigned,

7 By the word of truth, by the power of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10 As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11 O you Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.

12 You are not straitened in us, but you are straitened in your own bowels.

13 Now for a recompence in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be you also enlarged.

14 Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?

15 And what harmony hath the Messiah (haMashiach) with Beliyaal (which is an epithet of Satan)? Or what part hath he that believeth with an unbeliever?

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God (Elohim) with idols? For you are the temple of the living God (Elohim); as יהוה (YHWH) hath said, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God (Elohim), and they shall be My people. – Lev. 26:12; Exo. 6:7; Jer. 31:33, 32:38; Eze. 37:27

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate,” saith יהוה, “and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, – Isa. 52:11, Eze. 20:34, 41

18 And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,” saith A8יהוה of hosts (YHWH Tsevaot). – 2 Sam. 7:14, Isa. 43:6

7

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (Elohim).

2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

3 I speak not this to condemn you, for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die and live with you.

4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you; I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; outside were fightings, inside were fears.

6 Nevertheless God (Elohim), that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.

8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not regret, though I did regret; for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it was but for a season.

9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance; for you were made sorry after a godly manner, that you might receive damage by us in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation not to be regretted of; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

11 For behold this selfsame thing, that you sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God (Elohim) might appear unto you.

13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort; yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.

15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling you received him.

16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.

8

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) bestowed on the assemblies (ekklesias) of Macedonia;

2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the holy ones.

5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves the Lord (YHWH), and unto us by the will of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)).

6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

7 Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.

8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

9 For you know the grace of our Lord (Adonai) YHWH haMashiach, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich.

10 And herein I give my advice: For this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have.

12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened;

14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality;

15 As it is written, “He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.” – Exo. 16:18

16 But thanks be to God (Elohim), who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel (good news) throughout all the assemblies (ekklesias);

19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the assemblies (ekklesias) to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord (YHWH) Himself, and declaration of your ready mind;

20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us;

21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of יהוה, but also in the sight of men.

22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you; or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the assemblies (ekklesias), and the glory of our Messiah (Mashiachnu).

24 Wherefore shew you to them, and before the assemblies (ekklesias), the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

9

For as touching the ministering to the holy ones (qadoshim), it is superfluous for me to write to you:

2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready:

4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say nothing of you) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.

6 But this I say, He who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God (Elohim) loveth a cheerful giver. – Pro. 22:8

8 And God (Elohim) is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

9 As it is written, “He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth for ever.”–Psa.112:9

10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;

11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God (Elohim).

12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the holy ones, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God (Elohim);

13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God (Elohim) for your professed subjection unto the gospel (good news) of the Messiah (haMashiach), and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

14 And by their prayer for you, who long after you for the exceeding grace of God (El) in you.

15 Thanks be unto God (Elohim) for His unspeakable gift.

10

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of our Messiah (Mashiach), who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you;

2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh;

4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God (Elohim) to the pulling down of strong holds;

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God (Elohim), and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Messiah (Mashiach);

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

7 Do you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trusts to himself that he is Messiah (Mashiach)’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Messiah (Mashiach)’s, even so are we Messiah (Mashiach)’s.

8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord (YHWH) hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed;

9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.

10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.

11 Let such a one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.

12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves; but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God (Elohim) hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you; for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel (good news) of the Messiah (haMashiach);

15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

16 To preach the gospel (good news) in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in יהוה (YHWH).

18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom יהוה (YHWH) commendeth.

11

Would that you could bear with me a little in my folly; and indeed bear with me.

2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy; for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to the Messiah (haMashiach).

3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled A9Eve (Chawah) through his subtilty, so your minds would be corrupted from the simplicity that is in the Messiah (haMashiach).

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another YHWH, whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit, which you have not received, or another gospel (good news), which you have not accepted, you might well bear with him.

5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

6 But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.

7 Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel (good news) of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) freely?

8 I robbed other assemblies (ekklesias) by taking wages from them, to do you service.

9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man; for that which was lacking to me the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied; and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

10 As the truth of the Messiah (haMashiach) is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

11 Wherefore? Because I love you not? God (Elohim) knoweth.

12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them who desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of the Messiah (haMashiach).

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

16 I say again, let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little.

17 That which I speak, I speak it not after the Lord (YHWH), but as it was foolishly, in this confidence of boasting.

18 Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.

19 For you suffer fools gladly, seeing you yourselves are wise.

20 For you suffer, if a man brings you into bondage, if a man devours you, if a man takes of you, if a man exalts himself, if a man smites you on the face.

21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.

22 Are they Hebrews (Ivrim)? So am I. Are they Yisraelim? So am I. Are they the seed of Avraham? So am I.

23 Are they ministers of the Messiah (haMashiach)? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths often.

24 Of the Jews (Yehudim) five times received I forty stripes except one.

25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;

27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28 Besides those things that are external, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the assemblies (ekklesias).

29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn not?

30 If I must need glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

31 The God (Elohim) and Father of our Lord (Adonai) YHWH haMashiach, who is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me;

33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

12

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord (YHWH).

2 I knew a man in Messiah (Mashiach) above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell; God (Elohim) knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.

3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell; God (Elohim) knoweth;)

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5 Of such a one will I glory; yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth; but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord (YHWH) thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And He said unto me, “My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of the Messiah (haMashiach) may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for the Messiah (haMashiach)’s sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.

11 I am become a fool in glorying; you have compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you; for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

13 For what is it wherein you were inferior to other assemblies (ekklesias), except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.

14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you; for I seek not yours, but you; for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

16 But be it so, I did not burden you; nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? Walked we not in the same spirit? Walked we not in the same steps?

19 Again, think you that we excuse ourselves unto you? We speak before God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) in Messiah (Mashiach); but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not; lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;

21 And lest, when I come again, my God (Elohim) will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many who have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

13

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses

shall every word be established.

2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them who heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

3 Since you seek a proof of the Messiah (haMashiach) speaking in me, which toward you is not weak, but is mighty in you.

4 For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)). For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) toward you.

5 Examine yourselves, whether you be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know you not your own selves, how that YHWH haMashiach is in you, except you be reprobates?

6 But I trust that you shall know that we are not reprobates.

7 Now I pray to God (Elohim) that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and you are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord (YHWH) hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God (Elohim) of love and peace shall be with you.

12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

13 All the holy ones salute you.

14 The grace of our Lord (Adonai) YHWH haMashiach, and the love of God (Elohim), and the communion of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haQodesh), be with you all. So be it (Amen).