2 Corinthians 12:1-10 - A Vision Of Paradise

¹ I am compelled to boast. It is not a profitable employment, but I will proceed to visions and revelations granted me by the Lord. ² I know a Christian man who fourteen years ago-- whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know; God knows--was caught up (this man of whom I am speaking) ³ And I know that this man-- whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know; ⁴ God knows--was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable things which no human being is permitted to repeat. ⁵ Of such a one I will boast; but of myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. ⁶ If however I should choose to boast, I should not be a fool for so doing, for I should be speaking the truth. But I forbear, lest any one should be led to estimate me more highly than what his own eyes attest, or more highly than what he hears from my lips. ⁷ And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--therefore lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me, like the agony of impalement, Satan's angel dealing blow after blow, lest I should be over-elated. ⁸ As for this, three times have I besought the Lord to rid me of him; ⁹ but His reply has been, "My grace suffices for you, for power matures in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I boast of my infirmities rather than complain of them--in order that Christ's power may overshadow me. ¹⁰ In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults, in distress, in persecutions, in grievous difficulties--for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.