1 I must boast, though it is not profitable. I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body I do not know, or outside the body I do not know; God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know; God knows— 4 was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words that no human being is permitted to speak. 5 I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself except in my weaknesses. 6 For if I wished to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so that no one will think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me. 7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, to keep me from exalting myself, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to strike me, to keep me from exalting myself. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it might leave me. 9 But he has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 So I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and distress for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

11 I have become a fool; you compelled me. I ought to have been commended by you, for I was in no way inferior to those most eminent apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of an apostle were performed among you with all endurance, with signs, wonders, and mighty works. 13 For in what were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

14 Look, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden. For I seek you, not what is yours. Children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend what I have and be spent completely for your souls. If I love you more, am I loved less? 16 But let it be so: I did not burden you, yet, being crafty, I caught you by deceit! 17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not follow the same footsteps?

19 Have you been thinking all this time that we are defending ourselves before you? We speak in Christ in the sight of God. Everything, beloved, is for building you up. 20 For I fear that when I come I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear there may be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slander, whispering, arrogance, and disorder; 21 that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may mourn for many who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensual excess they practiced.