3
And I know such a man--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--
4
how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
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Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.
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For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
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And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
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Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
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And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
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Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.
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Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
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For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!