That we were pressed out of measure, above strength, in so much that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, But in God which raises the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and do deliver: In whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God know;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God know;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he see me to be, or that he hear of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Cor. 1:8-10;2 Cor. 12:1-10
