1
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:
2
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3
And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--
4
how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5
Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.
6
For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
7
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.