1. It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:
2. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—
4. how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.
6. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
7. And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.