1. I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and Revelation of the Lord.
2. I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.
3. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),
4. how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5. On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.
6. For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.
7. And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the Revelation--wherefore, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.
8. Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9. And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10. Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
11. I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.
12. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.