1 I am proud, though not good for me, but now I have come to talk about 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 whether he was taken away with or without body, but God knows.

3 And I know a man, whether he be with the body, or separate from the flesh: but God knoweth;



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



5 I will boast of such a one, but I will not boast of my own 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 am not exceedingly exceeded by the abundance of the words of light, a thorn in my flesh, the devil’s messenger, shall smite me, that I may not be exceedingly exceeded.



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 will remain with me.



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