1. Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2. I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know, God knows.
3. I know that this man — whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know, God knows —
4. was caught up into paradise. He heard inexpressible words, which a man is not allowed to speak.
5. I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses.
6. For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me,
7. especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so I would not exalt myself.
8. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me.
9. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
10. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, catastrophes, persecutions, and in pressures, because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
11. I have become a fool; you forced it on me. I should have been endorsed by you, since I am not in any way inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
12. The signs of an apostle were performed with great endurance among you — not only signs but also wonders and miracles.