Thomson(i)
1 To me indeed it is of no advantage to boast; for I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I know a man in Christ, that fourteen years ago such a one was suddenly conveyed to the third heaven, [whether in the body I do not know or out of the body I do not know, God knoweth]
3 and I know that such a man was suddenly conveyed to paradise [whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knoweth]
4 and he heard unutterable things which it is out of the power of man to express.
5 For such a one I may boast, but for my self; I will not boast, except of my infirmities.
6 Though should I indeed have a mind to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will speak truth. But I forbear, lest any should7 ascribe to me beyond what he seeth me, or heareth of me.
7 Indeed that I might not be too much elated by the astonishing greatness of these revelations, there was given me a thorn for the flesh, a messenger of satan to buffet me, that I might not be too much elated.
8 For this I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 Whereupon he said to me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is perfected in weakness. Therefore I will with the greatest pleasure, rather boast of my weaknesses, that the power of the Christ may shelter me.