2 Corinthians 12:1-12

1It is necessary to go on boasting. Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

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

3And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows)

4was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak.

5On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.

6For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me,

7even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble me – so that I would not become arrogant.

8I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me.

9But he said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in me.

10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

11I have become a fool. You yourselves forced me to do it, for I should have been commended by you. For I lack nothing in comparison to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.

12Indeed, the signs of an apostle were performed among you with great perseverance by signs and wonders and powerful deeds.