7 I was given a thorn in my body because of the outstanding revelations I’ve received so that I wouldn’t be conceited. It’s a messenger from Satan sent to torment me so that I wouldn’t be conceited.
8 I pleaded with the Lord three times for it to leave me alone.
9 He said to me, "My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness." So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me.
10 Therefore, I’m all right with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong.
11 I’ve become a fool! You made me do it. Actually, I should have been commended by you. I’m not inferior to the super-apostles in any way, even though I’m a nonentity.
12 The signs of an apostle were performed among you with continuous endurance through signs, wonders, and miracles.
13 How were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I myself wasn’t a financial burden on you? Forgive me for this wrong!