and so escaped his hands.
012:001 I am compelled to boast. It is not a profitable employment,
but I will proceed to visions and revelations granted me
by the Lord.
012:002 I know a Christian man who fourteen years ago--whether in
the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know;
God knows--was caught up (this man of whom I am speaking)
even to the highest Heaven.
012:003 And I know that this man--whether in the body or apart from
the body I do not know;
012:004 God knows--was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable
things which no human being is permitted to repeat.
012:005 Of such a one I will boast; but of myself I will not boast,
except in my weaknesses.
012:006 If however I should choose to boast, I should not be a fool
for so doing, for I should be speaking the truth.
But I forbear, lest any one should be led to estimate me
more highly than what his own eyes attest, or more highly
than what he hears from my lips.
012:007 And judging by the stupendous grandeur of the revelations--
therefore lest I should be over-elated there has been sent to me,
like the agony of impalement, Satan's angel dealing blow
after blow, lest I should be over-elated.
012:008 As for this, three times have I besought the Lord to rid
me of him;
012:009 but His reply has been, "My grace suffices for you,
for power matures in weakness." Most gladly therefore
will I boast of my infirmities rather than complain of them--
in order that Christ's power may overshadow me.
012:010 In fact I take pleasure in infirmities, in the bearing of insults,