4. But he was taken up into paradise, where he heard things that are too wonderful to tell.
5. I will boast about that man, but not about myself, except to say how weak I am.
6. Yet even if I did boast, I would not be foolish. I would simply be speaking the truth. But I will try not to say too much. That way, none of you will think more highly of me than you should because of what you have seen me do and say.
7. Of course, I am now referring to the wonderful things I saw. One of Satan's angels was sent to make me suffer terribly, so that I would not feel too proud.
8. Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away.
9. But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly boast about how weak I am.
10. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or ill-treated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.
11. I have been making a fool of myself. But you forced me to do it, when you should have been speaking up for me. I may be nothing at all, but I am as good as those super apostles.
12. When I was with you, I was patient and worked all the powerful miracles and signs and wonders of a true apostle.
13. You missed out on only one blessing that the other churches received. That is, you didn't have to support me. Forgive me for doing you wrong.