1

As it is necessary for me to take glory to myself, though it is not a good thing, I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2

I have knowledge of a man in Christ, fourteen years back (if he was in the body, or out of the body, I am not able to say, but God only), who was taken up to the third heaven.

3

And I have knowledge of such a man (if he was in the body, or out of the body, I am not able to say, but God only),

4

How he was taken up into Paradise, and words came to his ears which may not be said, and which man is not able to say.

5

On account of such a one I will have glory: for myself I will take no glory, but only in my feeble body.

6

For if I had a desire to take credit to myself, it would not be foolish, for I would be saying what is true: but I will not, for fear that I might seem to any man more than he sees me to be, or has word from me that I am.

7

And because the revelations were so very great, in order that I might not be overmuch lifted up, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, one sent from Satan to give me pain.

8

And about this thing I made request to the Lord three times that it might be taken away from me.

9

And he said to me, My grace is enough for you, for my power is made complete in what is feeble. Most gladly, then, will I take pride in my feeble body, so that the power of Christ may be on me.

10

So I take pleasure in being feeble, in unkind words, in needs, in cruel attacks, in troubles, on account of Christ: for when I am feeble, then am I strong.