Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

12:1 It is necessary to go on boasting.1 Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 12:2 I 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. 12:3 And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows) 12:4 was caught up into paradise2 and heard things too sacred to be put into words,3 things that a person4 is not permitted to speak. 12:5 On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses. 12:6 For even if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I would be telling5 the truth, but I refrain from this so that no one may regard6 me beyond what he sees in me or what he hears from me, 12:7 even because of the extraordinary character of the revelations. Therefore,7 so that I would not become arrogant, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to trouble8 me—so that I would not become arrogant.9 12:8 I asked the Lord three times about this, that it would depart from me. 12:9 But10 he said to me, “My grace is enough11 for you, for my12 power is made perfect13 in weakness.” So then, I will boast most gladly14 about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may reside in15 me. 12:10 Therefore I am content with16 weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties17 for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.