¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet^(A) as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me^(B) and said: “Do not be afraid.^(C) I am the First and the Last.^(D)

¹⁰ On the Lord’s Day^(A) I was in the Spirit,^(B) and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet,^(C)

Paul’s Vision and His Thorn

12 I must go on boasting.^(A) Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations^(B) from the Lord. ² I know a man in Christ^(C) who fourteen years ago was caught up^(D) to the third heaven.^(E) Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.^{(F) 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^(G) to paradise^(H) and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.

²⁸ Like the appearance of a rainbow^(A) in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.^(B)

This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory^(C) of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown,^(D) and I heard the voice of one speaking.

⁶ he said, “Listen to my words:

¹⁷ “When I returned to Jerusalem^(A) and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance^(B)

¹⁹ While Peter was still thinking about the vision,^(A) the Spirit said^(B) to him, “Simon, three^[a] men are looking for you.

¹⁰ He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.^(A)