2 Corinthians 10 - 13
1
i I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the j meekness and gentleness of Christ - I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away! -
2
I beg of you k that when I am present I may not have to show l boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.
3
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.
4
For the m weapons of n our warfare are not of the flesh but have o divine power p to destroy strongholds.
5
We destroy arguments and q every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to r obey Christ,
6
s being ready to punish every disobedience, t when your obedience is complete.
7
u Look at what is before your eyes. v If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as w he is Christ's, x so also are we.
8
For even if I boast a little too much of y our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.
9
I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters.
10
For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but z his bodily presence is weak, and a his speech of no account."
11
Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present.
12
Not that we dare to classify or b compare ourselves with some of those who c are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are d without understanding.
13
But we will not boast e beyond limits, but will f boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, g to reach even to you.
14
For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. h For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ.
15
We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that i as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be j greatly enlarged,
16
so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another's area of influence.
17
"Let k the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
18
For it is l not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one m whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 11
1
I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!
2
For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since n I betrothed you to one husband, o to present you p as a pure virgin to Christ.
3
But I am afraid that q as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts r will be led astray from a s sincere and t pure devotion to Christ.
4
For if someone comes and u proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept v a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.
5
Indeed, I consider that w I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.
6
x Even if I am unskilled in speaking, y I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way z we have made this plain to you in all things.
7
Or a did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because b I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?
8
I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.
9
And when I was with you and was c in need, d I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia e supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain f from burdening you in any way.
10
g As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine h will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
11
And why? i Because I do not love you? j God knows I do!
12
And what I do I will continue to do, k in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.
13
For such men are l false apostles, m deceitful workmen, n disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.
14
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as o an angel of light.
15
So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as p servants of righteousness. q Their end will correspond to their deeds.
16
I repeat, r let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
17
What I am saying s with this boastful confidence, t I say not with the Lord's authority but as a fool.
18
Since u many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.
19
For you gladly bear with fools, v being wise yourselves!
20
For you bear it if someone w makes slaves of you, or x devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or y strikes you in the face.
21
To my shame, I must say, z we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of - I am speaking as a fool - I also dare to boast of that.
22
Are they Hebrews? a So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.
23
Are they b servants of Christ? c I am a better one - I am talking like a madman - with far greater labors, d far more imprisonments, e with countless beatings, and f often near death.
24
Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the g forty lashes less one.
25
Three times I was h beaten with rods. i Once I was stoned. Three times I j was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;
26
on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, k danger from my own people, l danger from Gentiles, m danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;
27
n in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, o in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
28
And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for p all the churches.
29
q Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
30
r If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
31
s The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, t he who is blessed forever, u knows that I am not lying.
32
At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas v was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me,
33
w but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
2 Corinthians 12
1
I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and x revelations of the Lord.
2
I know a man y in Christ who fourteen years ago was z caught up to a the third heaven - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, b God knows.
3
And I know that this man was caught up into c paradise - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, b God knows -
4
and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
5
On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, d except of my weaknesses.
6
Though if I should wish to boast, e I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
7
So f to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, g a thorn was given me in the flesh, h a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
8
i Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
9
But he said to me, j "My grace is sufficient for you, for k my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that l the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10
m For the sake of Christ, then, n I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For o when I am weak, then I am strong.
11
p I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was q not at all inferior to these super-apostles, r even though I am nothing.
12
s The signs of a true apostle were performed among you t with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
13
For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that u I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
14
Here v for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for w I seek not what is yours but you. For x children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but y parents for their children.
15
z I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If a I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16
But granting that b I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit.
17
Did I take advantage of you c through any of those whom I sent to you?
18
d I urged Titus to go, and sent e the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
19
Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is f in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and g all for your upbuilding, beloved.
20
For I fear that perhaps h when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish - that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.
21
I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those i who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, j sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
2 Corinthians 13
1
k This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established l by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
2
m I warned n those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that o if I come again I will not spare them -
3
since you seek proof that Christ p is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but q is powerful among you.
4
For r he was crucified in weakness, but s lives by the power of God. For t we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you u we will live with him by the power of God.
5
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. v Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that w Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
6
I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.
7
But we pray to God that you may not do wrong - not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.
8
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
9
For we are glad when x we are weak and you are strong. Your y restoration is what we pray for.
10
For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come z I may not have to be a severe in my use of b the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. c Aim for restoration, comfort one another, d agree with one another, e live in peace; and the God of love and f peace will be with you.
12
g Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13
h All the saints greet you.
14
i The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and j the love of God and k the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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Cross References
Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
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Cross References
Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Philippians 2:7 - 8
But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
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2 Corinthians 13:2
I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them -
2 Corinthians 13:10
For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
1 Corinthians 4:18
Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
1 Corinthians 4:21
What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:6
Being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:7
By truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left.
Ephesians 6:11
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:7
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:3 - 4
Since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
1 Corinthians 2:5
That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
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Cross References
Jeremiah 1:10
See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.
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Cross References
Isaiah 2:11 - 12
The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:13
By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others.
Romans 5:19
For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:2
I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:9
For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
2 Corinthians 7:15
And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:12
We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.
John 7:24
Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:12
What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ.
1 Corinthians 14:37
If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
1 John 4:6
We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
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1 Corinthians 3:23
And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one - I am talking like a madman - with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.
1 Corinthians 9:1
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?
Galatians 1:12
For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:10
For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:21
To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of - I am speaking as a fool - I also dare to boast of that.
2 Corinthians 12:7
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:13
And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:18
For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 3:1
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you?
2 Corinthians 12:6
Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
Proverbs 27:2
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.
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Cross References
Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:15
We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged.
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Cross References
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
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Cross References
Romans 15:20
And thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:5
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each.
1 Corinthians 4:15
For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
1 Corinthians 9:1
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?
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Cross References
2 Thessalonians 1:3
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
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Cross References
Acts 5:13
None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:31
So that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23 - 24
Thus says the Lord : "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:12
Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.
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Cross References
Romans 2:29
But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
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Cross References
Hosea 2:19 - 20
And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.
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Cross References
Colossians 1:22
He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.
Colossians 1:28
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
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Cross References
Ephesians 5:27
So that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 14:4
It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb.
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Cross References
Genesis 3:4
But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.
1 Timothy 2:14
And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor.
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
1 Thessalonians 3:5
For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
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Cross References
Colossians 2:4
I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
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Cross References
Ephesians 6:5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:6
By purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:11
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
Galatians 1:6
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel -
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:11
I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.
Galatians 2:6
And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) - those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
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Cross References
Ephesians 3:4
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:2
But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 5:11
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.
2 Corinthians 12:12
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:13
For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
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Cross References
Acts 18:3
And because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.
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Cross References
Philippians 4:12
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:13 - 14
For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:17
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence.
Philippians 4:15 - 16
And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:16
But granting that I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit.
1 Thessalonians 2:6
Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
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Cross References
Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you
Romans 9:1
I am speaking the truth in Christ - I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit -
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:15
But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:11
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:31
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
2 Corinthians 12:2 - 3
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:12
If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
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Cross References
Revelation 2:2
'I know your works, your toil and your patient ...
Galatians 1:7
Not that there is another one, but there are so...
Galatians 2:4
Yet because of false brothers secretly brought ...
Galatians 6:12
It is those who want to make a good showing in ...
Philippians 1:15
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry...
Philippians 3:18
For many, of whom I have often told you and now...
Titus 1:10
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty...
Titus 1:12
One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, sai...
2 Peter 2:1
But false prophets also arose among the people,...
1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test ...
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Cross References
Philippians 3:2
Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:14 - 15
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
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Cross References
Galatians 1:8
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:9
For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.
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Cross References
Philippians 3:19
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:6
Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:4
Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated - to say nothing of you - for being so confident.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:12
To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.
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Philippians 3:3 - 4
For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh -
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.
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Galatians 2:4
Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in - who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery -
Galatians 4:3
In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.
Galatians 4:9
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:2
Make room in your hearts for us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.
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1 Corinthians 4:11
To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:10
For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.
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Cross References
Romans 11:1
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
Philippians 3:5
Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:6
Who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 10:7
Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ's, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ's, so also are we.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:5
Beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger.
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Cross References
Acts 16:23
And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:9 - 10
Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
2 Corinthians 4:11
For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 6:9
As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed.
Romans 8:36
As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.
1 Corinthians 15:30 - 32
Why are we in danger every hour?
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Cross References
Deuteronomy 25:3
Forty stripes may be given him, but not more, lest, if one should go on to beat him with more stripes than these, your brother be degraded in your sight.
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Cross References
Acts 16:22
The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.
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Cross References
Acts 14:19
But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
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Cross References
Acts 27:41
But striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground. The bow stuck and remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the surf.
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Cross References
Acts 9:23
When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to ...
Acts 13:50
But the Jews incited the devout women of high s...
Acts 14:5
When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and J...
Acts 17:5
But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wick...
1 Thessalonians 2:15
Who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets...
Acts 18:12
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Je...
Acts 20:3
There he spent three months, and when a plot wa...
Acts 20:19
Serving the Lord with all humility and with tea...
Acts 21:27
When the seven days were almost completed, the ...
Acts 23:10
And when the dissension became violent, the tri...
Acts 23:12
When it was day, the Jews made a plot and bound...
Acts 25:3
Asking as a favor against Paul that he summon h...
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Cross References
Acts 14:5
When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them.
Acts 19:23
About that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way.
Acts 27:42
The soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape.
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Cross References
Acts 21:31
And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:9
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
2 Thessalonians 3:8
Nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:11
To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless.
Philippians 4:12
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:17
Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 8:13
Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:10
For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.
2 Corinthians 12:5
On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
1 Corinthians 2:3
And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.
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Cross References
Romans 15:6
That together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Cross References
Romans 9:5
To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:11
And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
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Cross References
Acts 9:24
But their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him.
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Cross References
Acts 9:25
But his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.
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Cross References
Galatians 1:12
For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:2
I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.
Ephesians 3:3
How the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:3
And I know that this man was caught up into paradise - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -
1 Thessalonians 4:17
Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
Revelation 12:5
She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne.
Ezekiel 8:3
He put out the form of a hand and took me by a lock of my head, and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the gateway of the inner court that faces north, where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy.
Acts 8:39
And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
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Cross References
Psalms 148:4
Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:11
And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
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Cross References
Luke 23:43
And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.
Revelation 2:7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Genesis 2:8
And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:2
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:3
And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:13
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
2 Corinthians 11:16 - 17
I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.
2 Corinthians 12:11
I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:10
For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.
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Cross References
Numbers 33:55
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell.
Ezekiel 28:24
And for the house of Israel there shall be no more a brier to prick or a thorn to hurt them among all their neighbors who have treated them with contempt. Then they will know that I am the Lord God.
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Cross References
Luke 13:16
And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?
1 Corinthians 5:5
You are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
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Cross References
Matthew 26:44
So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.
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Cross References
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
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Cross References
Isaiah 40:29 - 31
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:5
That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 5:15
And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.
Matthew 5:11 - 12
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
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Cross References
Romans 5:3
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:4
For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:6
Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:5
Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.
1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 3:7
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
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Cross References
Romans 15:19
By the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God - so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:1
Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:4
But as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 9:12
If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
Acts 20:33
I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
2 Corinthians 1:15
Because I was sure of this, I wanted to come to you first, so that you might have a second experience of grace.
2 Corinthians 13:2
I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them -
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:24
Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 10:33
Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:14 - 15
I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
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Cross References
Proverbs 19:14
House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Ezekiel 34:2
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God : Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep?
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:6
If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.
Philippians 2:17
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:11
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:5
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:6
Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:18
With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.
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Cross References
Romans 1:9
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you
Romans 9:1
I am speaking the truth in Christ - I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit -
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 14:26
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:1 - 4
For I made up my mind not to make another painful visit to you.
1 Corinthians 4:21
What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:2
I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them -
Revelation 2:21
I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 5:1
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife.
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:14
Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
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Cross References
Deuteronomy 19:15
A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.
Numbers 35:30
If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:2
I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:21
I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 13:10
For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
1 Corinthians 4:21
What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
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Cross References
Matthew 10:20
For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
1 Corinthians 5:4
When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:4
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
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Cross References
Philippians 2:7 - 8
But made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.
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Cross References
Romans 1:4
And was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:4
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:10
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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Cross References
Romans 6:8
Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 11:28
Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
Galatians 6:4
But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.
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Cross References
Romans 8:10
But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Galatians 4:19
My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.
2 Corinthians 4:12
So death is at work in us, but life in you.
2 Corinthians 12:5
On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - 10
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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Cross References
Ephesians 4:12
To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
1 Thessalonians 3:10
As we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:3
And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.
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Cross References
Titus 1:13
This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 10:8
For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.
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Cross References
Luke 6:40
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.
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Cross References
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
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Cross References
Mark 9:50
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.
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Cross References
Romans 15:33
May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
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Cross References
Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
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Cross References
Philippians 4:22
All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
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Cross References
Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
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Cross References
Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
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Cross References
Philippians 2:1
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.