1 I should be proud, though not good for me, but now I have come to discuss the visions of the Lord and the words of revelation.

2 I know a man in Christ who was suddenly taken up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. I do not know if he was taken away, but God knows.

3 And I know a man, whether he be with the body, or separate from the flesh: for God knoweth not.

4 And suddenly he was taken up into heaven, and heard a word which was not spoken, and it was not good for man to speak.

5 I will be proud of him, but I will not be proud of my weaknesses.

6 For if I should boast, I will not be a fool, for I will speak the truth. But I restrain myself so that no one understands me better than he who sees me or hears me.

7 And because I do not go beyond the limits of the abundance of light, a thorn in my flesh is sent out, that is, sent by the devil, to beat me so that I may not go beyond the limits.

8 For this cause I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is great unto thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. So I will be very proud of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ rests on me.

10 For this cause I rejoice in Christ in weaknesses, in months, in distresses, in persecutions, in distresses: for when I am weak, then am I strong.