In chapter 12 Paul continues to defend his apostolic ministry initially focusing on a supernatural experience he had transporting him to the third heaven and to Paradise. He then goes on to talk about his thorn in the flesh through which Satan tormented him. Paul says that 3 times he pleaded for God to deliver him from this, and God replied: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness... and when I am weak, then I am strong". He then returns to the topic of "super-apostles" and laments the lack of the church's support on this front, pointing to his ministry with signs following which was ample proof of his authenticity. Paul then says he will visit the church for the third time but he does not want their money nor had anyone else he had sent there like Titus. However when Paul gets to Corinth he fears he will encounter quarrelling, jealousy, anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder in the church. He also fears that some have not repented of impurity, sexual sin and debauchery.
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