[1] If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed) but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

[2] I know a man in Christ: above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth), such a one caught up to the third heaven.

[3] And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth):

[4] That he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words which it is not granted to man to utter.

[5] For such an one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing but in my infirmities.

[6] For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish: for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me.

[7] And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me.

[8] For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart from me.

[9] And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee: for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

[10] For which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful.

[11] I am become foolish. You have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended by you. For I have no way come short of them that are above measure apostles, although I be nothing.

[12] Yet the signs of my apostleship have been wrought on you, in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

[13] For what is there that you have had less than the other churches but that I myself was not burthensome to you? Pardon me this injury.

[14] Behold now the third time I am ready to come to you and I will not be burthensome unto you. For I seek not the things that are yours, but you. For neither ought the children to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

[15] But I most gladly will spend and be spent myself for your souls: although loving you more, I be loved less.

[16] But be it so: I did not burthen you: but being crafty, I caught you by guile.

[17] Did I overreach you by any of them whom I sent to you?

[18] I desired Titus: and I sent with him a brother. Did Titus overreach you? Did we not walk with the same spirit? Did we not in the same steps?

[19] Of old, think you that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ: but all things, my dearly beloved, for your edification.

[20] For I fear lest perhaps, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found by you such as you would not. Lest perhaps contentions, envyings, animosities, dissensions, detractions, whisperings, swellings, seditions, be among you.

[21] Lest again, when I come, God humble me among you: and I mourn many of them that sinned before and have not done penance for the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness that they have committed.

[9] Power is made perfect: The strength and power of God more perfectly shines forth in our weakness and infirmity; as the more weak we are of ourselves, the more illustrious is his grace in supporting us, and giving us the victory under all trials and conflicts.