1As it is necessary for me to take glory to myself, though it is not a good thing, I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2I have knowledge of a man in Christ, fourteen years back (if he was in the body, or out of the body, I am not able to say, but God only), who was taken up to the third heaven.
3And I have knowledge of such a man (if he was in the body, or out of the body, I am not able to say, but God only),
4How he was taken up into Paradise, and words came to his ears which may not be said, and which man is not able to say.
5On account of such a one I will have glory: for myself I will take no glory, but only in my feeble body.
6For if I had a desire to take credit to myself, it would not be foolish, for I would be saying what is true: but I will not, for fear that I might seem to any man more than he sees me to be, or has word from me that I am.
7And because the revelations were so very great, in order that I might not be overmuch lifted up, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, one sent from Satan to give me pain.
