2 Corinthians 12:1-12

1Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2I know a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I don’t know; God knows.

3I know that this man — whether in the body or out of the body I don’t know; God knows —

4was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a human being is not allowed to speak.

5I will boast about this person, but not about myself, except of my weaknesses.

6For if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me,

7especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself.

8Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me.

9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.

10So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

11I have been a fool; you forced it on me. You ought to have commended me, since I am not in any way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

12The signs of an apostle were performed with unfailing endurance among you, including signs and wonders and miracles.