< 2 Corinthians KWL. >

1 It’s necessary to emphasize—but this isn’t productive,

so I’ll come to visions and the Master’s revelations.

2 I know a person in Christ, 14 years ago—

whether in the body I don’t know, whether out of the body I don’t know; God knows—

who experienced some kind of rapture to the third heaven.

3 I know this person—whether in the body, whether without a body, I don’t know; God knows—

4 who was raptured into paradise, who heard unutterable words which aren’t right for people to speak.

5 I can emphasize such a person.

I don’t emphasize myself, other than about my weaknesses.

6 When I want to emphasize things, I won’t be foolish:

I tell the truth, and I don’t spare details.

Otherwise one might consider me greater than what they see of me, or hear from me,

7 and they or I might exaggerate my revelations.

In order that I’d not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given me:

a satanic messenger, which’d jab me so I’d not exalt myself.

8 I called on the Master thrice about this, so he’d pull it out of me.

9 He told me, “My grace is holding you back. Power is fulfilled by weakness.”

For this reason I gladly emphasize my weakness—so Christ’s power can dwell in me.

10 I’m thrilled with weaknesses!

With smackdowns, deprivations, persecution, getting squeezed for Christ:

When I’m weak, then I’m strong.