[12:1] I have to boast, even though it doesn't do any good. But I will now talk about visions and revelations given me by the Lord.
[12:2] I know a certain Christian man who fourteen years ago was snatched up to the highest heaven (I do not know whether this actually happened or whether he had a vision—only God knows).
[12:5] So I will boast about this man—but I will not boast about myself, except the things that show how weak I am.
[12:6] If I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will not boast, because I do not want any of you to have a higher opinion of me than you have as a result of what you have seen me do and heard me say.
[12:7] But to keep me from being puffed up with pride because of the many wonderful things I saw, I was given a painful physical ailment, which acts as Satan's messenger to beat me and keep me from being proud.
[12:8] Three times I prayed to the Lord about this and asked him to take it away.
[12:9] But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.
[12:10] I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.