1
I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
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.
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--
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, except of my weaknesses.
6
Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall 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
And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated.
8
Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me;
9
but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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.
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 superlative apostles, even though I am nothing.