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.
12. The signs of an apostle were performed among you with all endurance, signs and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13. In what way were you less privileged than the rest of the churches, except that on my part I did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!