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.