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.