1 A need to boast is truly not beneficial, but I do come into visions and revelations of the Prince.2 Fourteen years ago I knew a man among the number of the Anointed, (whether in the body I know not, or outside of the body I know not: Yahweh knows,) such a man being carried off to the third region of heaven.3 And I know such a man, (whether in the body or apart from the body I know not: Yahweh knows,)4 that he had been carried off into that paradise, and he had heard unutterable sayings, which to speak with a man is not permitted.5 I will boast on behalf of such a man, but I will not boast on behalf of myself, unless in respect of weaknesses.6 If perhaps I should desire to boast, I would not be foolish; indeed I speak truth, but I am sparing; unless anyone would reckon in regard to me more than what he sees of me, or whatever he hears from me.7 And in order that I would not be exalted in the excellence of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh has been given to me, an adverse messenger, that it would strike me in order that I would not be exalted.8 Three times I have exhorted the Prince concerning this, that it may depart from me,9 and He told me, 'My favor is enough for you; since the power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore most gladly will I still more boast in my weakness, in order that the power of the Christ would dwell upon me.10 On which account I am well pleased with weaknesses, with injuries, with torments, with persecutions and difficulties on behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am powerful.11 I have become foolish; you have compelled me. Indeed I ought to be joined by you. For in nothing am I inferior to those most eminent ambassadors, if also I am nothing.12 Indeed the signs of the ambassador were accomplished among you in all endurance, with signs and wonders and powers.13 What is it in which you have been inferior in, more than the rest of the assemblies, except that I myself have not been burdensome to you? Forgive me this injustice.14 Behold, readily this third time I engage to come to you, and I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek your things, but you. The children are not obliged to store up for the parents, but the parents for the children.15 Now I will most gladly spend, and be wholly expended, on behalf of your souls, even if loving you more abundantly, I am loved less.16 But it is that I have not imposed on you, otherwise being villainous I have taken you with guile.17 Of those several whom I had sent to you, through them have I defrauded you?18 I have summoned Titos, and have sent with him the brother. Has Titos defrauded you? Have we not walked in the same Spirit? Nor in the same steps?19 But now, do you suppose that we are speaking in defense to you? We speak among the Anointed before Yahweh, and all things, beloved, on behalf of your building.20 For I fear, having come, perhaps I should not find you such as I desire, and I would be found by you such as you do not desire; lest perhaps there be contention, jealousy, angers, intrigues, braggings, slanders, indignations, disturbances.21 Again, upon my having come, should my God humble me before you? And should I mourn for those many having failed before and not repenting after the uncleanness and fornication and licentiousness which they have practiced?