2 Corinthians 12:9

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

But God said to me, “My unearned favor is enough for you, for my power is made complete in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast, so that the power of Christ can rest on me.

Cross References

Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through Christ, who gives me the strength.

2 Corinthians 12:10

So, I am pleased to [endure] weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, [all] for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak [physically], then I am strong [spiritually].

Ephesians 3:16

[I pray] that, according to God’s glorious abundance, He would empower you to become [spiritually] strong through His Holy Spirit in your inner person,

1 Corinthians 10:13

Every temptation that you have experienced is one that commonly happens to people. But God is dependable and will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability [to cope with it]; [instead] He will provide, along with the temptation, also a way of escaping [it], so you people will be able to endure it.

Hebrews 4:16

So, with confidence we should approach God’s throne of unearned favor, so we can receive mercy and obtain that favor to help us when we need it.

2 Corinthians 12:5

I will boast on behalf of this person, but I will not boast about myself [anymore], except about my weaknesses.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But I am whatever I am because of God’s unearned favor, and the favor He showed me was not for nothing [i.e., Paul made the most of his conversion by being extra diligent in his service to God]. But I worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I, but God’s favor on me [that accomplished it].

1 Corinthians 2:5

This was so that your faith would not [have to] depend on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

Colossians 1:11

[We also pray that you will be] strengthened with great power, according to God’s glorious might, so that you will have great endurance and patience [coupled] with joy.

Luke 21:15

for I will give you a mouth [i.e., the ability to speak properly] and wisdom [i.e., the knowledge of what to say], which none of your opponents will be able to resist or speak against.

2 Corinthians 11:30

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

1 Timothy 1:14

[But] the unearned favor of our Lord was given to me in great abundance, producing faith and love which are [found] in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 11:34

they put out raging fires, and they escaped being killed by swords. They were strengthened when weak, became mighty in battle, and defeated foreign armies.

Matthew 28:20

[Then] go on teaching them [i.e., these new converts] to obey everything I have commanded you and my presence will be with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18

Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

2 Corinthians 12:15

So, I will most gladly spend [all I have], and [even] spend myself for the sake of your souls. If I love you so much, should you love me less [than that]?

1 Corinthians 2:3

And I was weak, apprehensive and fearful when I was [there] with you [Note: This probably refers to Paul’s sense of inadequacy in view of the task before him].

2 Corinthians 12:1

Although I must boast about myself [See 11:21-27], it [really] is not profitable. So, I will go on to [tell about] visions and [inspired] revelations given [to me] from the Lord.