1. I must boast; not that it is profitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2. I know someone in Christ who, fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows), was caught up to the third heaven.
3. And I know that this person (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows)
4. was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things, which no one may utter.
5. About this person I will boast, but about myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.
6. Although if I should wish to boast, I would not be foolish, for I would be telling the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me
7. because of the abundance of the revelations. Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.
8. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,
9. but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
10. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
11. I have been foolish. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I am in no way inferior to these “superapostles,” even though I am nothing.