1
I have to 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 union with the Messiah who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the third heaven; whether he was in the body or outside the body I don't know, God knows.
3
And I know that such a man - whether in the body or apart from the body I don't know, God knows -
4
was snatched into Gan-'Eden and heard things that cannot be put into words, things unlawful for a human being to utter.
5
About such a man I will boast; but about myself I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.
6
If I did want to boast, I would not be foolish; because I would be speaking the truth. But, because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, I refrain, so that no one will think more of me than what my words or deeds may warrant.
7
Therefore, to keep me from becoming overly proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from the Adversary to pound away at me, so that I wouldn't grow conceited.