t is not expedient indeed) but I will come to
visions and revelations of the Lord.

12:2. 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.

12:3. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I
know not: God knoweth):

12:4. That he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words which
it is not granted to man to utter.

12:5. For such an one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing
but in my infirmities.

12:6. 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.

12:7. 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.

12:8. For which thing, thrice I besought the Lord that it might depart
from me.

12:9. 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.

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.

12:10. 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.

12:11. 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.

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

12:13. 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.

12:14. 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.

12:15. But I most gladly will spend and be spent myself for your souls:
although loving you more, I be loved less.

12:16. But