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1 ) It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
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2 ) 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 knows,) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
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3 ) And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows,)
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4 ) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
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5 ) Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
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6 ) 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 sees me to be, or that he hears of me.
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7 ) 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.
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8 ) For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me.
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9 ) 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.
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10 ) 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.
