1I must continue boasting, though there is little to be gained by it. I will reluctantly relate some visions and revelations from the Lord. 2I knew a man in Christ who, fourteen years ago - whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell; God knows - was caught up to the third heaven. 3This man was caught up into paradise - whether in or out of the body, I do not know; only God knows - 4He was caught up into paradise, and heard astounding words, words that it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5I shall boast about a man like that; yet I will not boast of myself, except about my infirmities. 6For even if I should choose to boast (glory), I would be no fool in doing so; because I would be telling the truth. But I will restrain myself, so that no one will give me more credit than I deserve for what I do or say. 7And to prevent me from seeming too proud about having received such wonderful revelations, I was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord, to take it from me. 9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you; for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will gladly boast all the more in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10That is why I take pleasure in my infirmities, insults, privations, persecutions, and distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

11I have made a fool of myself in glorying; but you (Corinthians) have compelled me, for I should have been commended by you; for in nothing am I inferior to the ‘super apostles’, even though I am nothing. 12Truly the marks of an apostle were demonstrated among you with all patience - with signs, wonders, and mighty deeds. 13For in what ways were you slighted, compared to other churches, unless it was that I was never a financial burden to you? Forgive me for slighting you this way! 14Now I am ready to visit you for the third time; and again, I will not be a financial burden to you; for I do not seek what you own, but you. For the children should not have to save up for their parents, but the parents for the children. 15And so I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more I love you, the less you have loved me. 16But be that as it may, I have not been a burden you; and yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! 17Did I exploit you by any of those that I sent to you? 18I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent a brother with him. Did Titus exploit you? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?

19Perhaps you think that we say these things to defend ourselves. No, we tell you this as Christ’s servants, and with God as our witness. Everything we do, dear friends, is to build you up. 20For I fear, that when I come, I shall not find you as I would want you to be; and that you shall not find me as you would like to find me - that there may be discord, arguments, jealousy, wrath, strife, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 21And that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and that I shall be grieved over many who have already sinned, and not repented of the impurity, uncleanness and fornication and debauchery in which they have indulged.