Twentieth_Century(i)
1 I must boast! It is unprofitable; but I will pass to visions and revelations given by the Lord.
2 I know a man in union with Christ, who, fourteen years ago-- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows-- was caught up (this man of whom I am speaking) to the third Heaven.
3 And I know that this man--whether in the body or separated from the body I do not know; God knows--
4 Was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable things of which no human being may tell.
5 About such a man I will boast, but about myself I will not boast except as regards my weaknesses.
6 Yet if I choose to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I shall be speaking no more than the truth. But I refrain, lest any one should credit me with more than he can see in me or hear from me, and because of the marvelous character of the revelations.
7 It was for this reason, and to prevent my thinking too highly of myself, that a thorn was sent to pierce my flesh--an instrument of Satan to discipline me--so that I should not think too highly of myself.
8 About this I three times entreated the Lord, praying that it might leave me.
9 But his reply has been-- 'My help is enough for you; for my strength attains its perfection in the midst of weakness.' Most gladly, then, will I boast all the more of my weaknesses, so that the strength of the Christ may overshadow me.