Today’s Scripture:

Although it may not accomplish a thing, I need to move on and boast about supernatural visions and revelations of the Lord.[a] 2 Someone I’m acquainted with, who is in union with Christ, was swept away fourteen years ago in an ecstatic experience. He was taken into the third heaven,[b] but I’m not sure if he was in his body or out of his body—only God knows. 3 And I know that this man[c] (again, I’m not sure if he was still in his body or taken out of his body—God knows) 4 was caught up in an ecstatic experience and brought into paradise,[d] where he overheard many wondrous and inexpressible secrets[e] that were so sacred that no mortal is permitted to repeat them.[f] 5 I’m ready to boast of such an experience, but for my own good I refuse to boast unless it concerns my weaknesses.[g] 6 However, if I were to boast, it wouldn’t be ridiculous at all, for I would be speaking the truth. Yet I will refrain, lest others think higher of me than what I demonstrate with my life and teaching.

7 The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me.[h] For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me,[i] keeping me from becoming arrogant. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. 9 But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you,[j] and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.[k] 10 So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.

11 I have become foolish to boast like this, but you have forced me to do it, when you should have boasted in me instead. For there is nothing I lack compared to these “super-apostles” of yours, even though I am nothing. 12 The things that distinguish a true apostle were performed among you with great perseverance—supernatural signs, startling wonders, and awesome miracles.

13 Furthermore, how were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I didn’t burden you financially—forgive me for depriving you![l] 14 And now here I am, ready to come to you for the third time,[m