1. I have to boast, even though it doesn't do any good. But I will now talk about visions and revelations given me by the Lord.
2. I know a certain Christian man who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the highest heaven (I do not know whether this actually happened or whether he had a vision — only God knows).
3-4. I repeat, I know that this man was snatched to Paradise (again, I do not know whether this actually happened or whether it was a vision — only God knows), and there he heard things which cannot be put into words, things that human lips may not speak.
5. So I will boast about this man — but I will not boast about myself, except the things that show how weak I am.
6. If I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will not boast, because I do not want anyone to have a higher opinion of me than he has as a result of what he has seen me do and heard me say.
7. But to keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud.
8. Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away.
9. But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.
10. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
11. I am acting like a fool — but you have made me do it. You are the ones who ought to show your approval of me. For even if I am nothing, I am in no way inferior to those very special “apostles” of yours.
12. The many miracles and wonders that prove that I am an apostle were performed among you with much patience.
13. How were you treated any worse than the other churches, except that I did not bother you for financial help? Please forgive me for being so unfair!
14. This is now the third time that I am ready to come to visit you — and I will not make any demands on you. It is you I want, not your money. After all, children should not have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children.
15. I will be glad to spend all I have, and myself as well, in order to help you. Will you love me less because I love you so much?