BibleScripture

2 Corinthians

Paulc. 56

Bible

Read this if you…

want Paul at his most personal, defensive, and emotionally raw
curious about the "thorn in the flesh" (Paul never tells us what it was)
like the paradox of divine power made perfect in human weakness

Skip this if you…

don't want to read explicitly religious/Christian texts

Connections

The lineage through 2 Corinthians

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Gallery

Depicted in Art

Paul sits in a darkened cell, pen and codex on his lap, a sword leaning beside him — caught mid-composition by a shaft of light from a small window. — Paul sits in a darkened cell, pen and codex on his lap, a sword leaning beside him — caught mid-composition by a shaft of light from a small window.
Rembrandt van Rijn, 1627

Paul stands on a stone platform in a Greek square, arms raised, preaching to a half-circle of Athenians — the canonical Renaissance image of Paul's Greek mission. — Paul stands on a stone platform in a Greek square, arms raised, preaching to a half-circle of Athenians — the canonical Renaissance image of Paul's Greek mission.
Raphael, 1515

Paul stands with arm outstretched, exhorting a seated crowd of Thessalonians — figures lean in, faces lit; the apostle gestures upward as he preaches. — Paul stands with arm outstretched, exhorting a seated crowd of Thessalonians — figures lean in, faces lit; the apostle gestures upward as he preaches.
Gustave Doré, 1866

An elongated Paul gestures toward an open letter inscribed with his own writing — the apostle pictured as author of the epistles. — An elongated Paul gestures toward an open letter inscribed with his own writing — the apostle pictured as author of the epistles.
El Greco, 1610

John stands at the front holding an open New Testament, reading the opening verses of his Gospel; Peter looks over his shoulder holding the golden key. — John stands at the front holding an open New Testament, reading the opening verses of his Gospel; Peter looks over his shoulder holding the golden key.
Albrecht Dürer, 1526

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King James Version

Oxford University Press · 1611

The most influential and commonly quoted translation in English. The prose rhythm everyone else is responding to, even modern translations.

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Notable Quotes

My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

All 21 quotes, with sources →

AcclaimPraised by 4 notable voices

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