[12:1] I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
[12:2] I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.
[12:3] And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—
[12:4] and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
[12:5] On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses—
[12:6] though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.
[12:7] So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
[12:8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
[12:9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[12:10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.