Caught up to Paradise
12 1 I must go on boasting. There is nothing to be gained by it, but I will move 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 or out of the body, I do not know; our Father knows. a a v2 In ancient Jewish thought, 'the third heaven' was the highest spiritual realm — the immediate presence of God. 3 And I know that this man — whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, our Father knows 4 —was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words, things that no one is permitted to speak.
5 I will boast about this man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses. 6 Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me, 7 and because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations. Therefore, so that I would not become conceited, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me, so that I would not become conceited. b b v7 Even when the enemy intends something for torment, our Father is masterful at repurposing it to keep us safely dependent on his grace, where his strength can carry our weakness. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it would leave me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For this reason I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
A Father's Heart for the Church
11 I have become a fool. You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was in no way inferior to the so-called super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. 13 In what way were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me for 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 do not seek what is yours but you. For children ought not to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Yet, crafty as I am, I took you in by deceit — or so they claim. 17 Did I take advantage of you through any of those I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit and in the same steps?
19 Have you been thinking all along that we are defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of our Father that we have been speaking in Christ, and all of it, beloved, is for building you up. 20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish — that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I am afraid that when I come again my Father may humble me before you, and that I may have to grieve over many who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality they practiced.