2 Corinthians 11:32-12:9

New International Version

³² In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me.^{(A) 33} But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.^(B)

Paul’s Vision and His Thorn

12 I must go on boasting.^(C) Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations^(D) from the Lord. ² I know a man in Christ^(E) who fourteen years ago was caught up^(F) to the third heaven.^(G) Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.^{(H) 3} And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— ⁴ was caught up^(I) to paradise^(J) and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. ⁵ I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.^{(K) 6} Even if I should choose to boast,^(L) I would not be a fool,^(M) because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, ⁷ or because of these surpassingly great revelations.^(N) Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh,^(O) a messenger of Satan,^(P) to torment me. ⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.^{(Q) 9} But he said to me, “My grace^(R) is sufficient for you, for my power^(S) is made perfect in weakness.^(T)”^(U) Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.