2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago, (whether in the body I know not, or out of the body I know not, God knows;) 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 knows;)
4 that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable things said which it is not allowed to man to utter.
5 Of such a one I will boast, but of myself I will not boast, unless in my weaknesses.
6 For if I shall desire to boast, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth; but I forbear, lest any one should think as to me above what he sees me to be, or whatever he may hear of me.
7 And that I might not be exalted by the exceeding greatness of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn for the flesh, a messenger of Satan that he might buffet me, that I might not be exalted.
8 For this I thrice besought the Lord that it might depart from me.