2 Corinthians 12:1-7

1It is necessary to boast, though nothing is gained by it; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.

3And I know that such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows—

4was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words which man is not permitted to speak [words too sacred to tell].

5On behalf of such a man [and his experiences] I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.

6If I wish to boast, I will not be foolish, because I will be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it], so that no one will credit me with more than [is justified by what] he sees in me or hears from me.

7Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!