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

¹ I must boast, although it does not do any good. Let's talk about visions and revelations from the Lord. ² I know a man who belongs to the Messiah. Fourteen years ago whether in his body or outside of his body, I do not know, but God knows that man was snatched away to the third heaven. ³ I know that this man whether in his body or outside of his body, I do not know, but God knows ⁴ was snatched away to Paradise and heard things that cannot be expressed in words, things that no human being has a right even to mention. ⁵ I will boast about this man, but as for myself I will boast only about my weaknesses. ⁶ However, if I did want to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I am not going to do it in order to keep anyone from thinking more of me than what he sees and hears about me. ⁷ To keep me from becoming conceited because of the exceptional nature of these revelations, a thorn was given to me and placed in my body. It was Satan's messenger to keep on tormenting me so that I would not become conceited. ⁸ I pleaded with the Lord three times to take it away from me, ⁹ but he has told me, "My grace is all you need, because my power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most happily boast about my weaknesses, so that the Messiah's power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why I take such pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for the Messiah's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.