2 Corinthians 12:1–10

I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. ²I 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. ³And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth), ⁴how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. ⁵On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses. ⁶For 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. ⁷And 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. ⁸Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. ⁹And 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. ¹⁰Wherefore 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.