^{1 Ref} I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

^{2 Ref} I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.

³ And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),

^{4 Ref} how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

^{5 Ref} On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in `my' weaknesses.

^{6 Ref} For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me `to be', or heareth from me.

^{7 Ref} And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.

^{8 Ref} Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

^{9 Ref} And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for `my' power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

^{10 Ref} Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.