1 Certainly it is not expedient for me to glory, but I will come to the visions and the revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell; God knows) was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell; God knows) 4 who was caught up into paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will glory, yet of myself I will not glory, except in my weaknesses. 6 Therefore if I should desire to glory in these things, I should not be a fool; for I would say the truth, but now I forbear lest anyone should think of me above that which he sees me to be or that he hears of me. 7 And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me above measure, there is given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord three times that it might be taken from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather glory in my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake, for when I am weak, then am I strong.